Currently it's just VC funded. The $20 packages they're selling are in no way cost-effective (for them).
That's why I'm driving all available models like I stole them, building every tool I can think of before they start charging actual money again.
By then local models will most likely be at a "good enough" level especially when combined with MCPs and tool use so I don't need to pay per token for APIs except for special cases.