On November 14, 2025 CNBC reported that the CEOs of DeepL and Picsart warned investors and buyers that much current AI spending is driven by hype rather than measurable returns. They used the phrase "vibe revenue" to describe funding and sales that flow from buzz and excitement rather than from proven business outcomes. That warning raises questions about AI valuation 2025 and whether an AI bubble is forming.

Why vibe revenue matters

Vibe revenue refers to money or valuation premia that come from narrative momentum instead of repeatable results. In fast moving fields like AI and automation, hype can accelerate adoption and boost valuations quickly. That can help startups scale, but it also inflates expectations. If underlying economics such as unit economics, customer retention, and cash flow do not support the story, companies become vulnerable to rapid correction when investors refocus on fundamentals.

Key details and findings

• Who raised the warning: CEOs at DeepL and Picsart spoke to CNBC on November 14, 2025 about hype driven revenue and overheating valuations.
• Phrase to watch: "vibe revenue" highlights the risk of AI hype versus reality.
• Tone from executives: Confidence in AI long term potential paired with caution about current investor sentiment.
• Audience implication: Small businesses and enterprise buyers should prefer ROI driven AI tools that demonstrate measurable outcomes.
• Reporting: The CNBC article was published by Michael Considine and Arjun Kharpal.

Implications and analysis

The warning signals several shifts across founders, investors, buyers, and the industry at large.

For founders and investors

• Repricing risk increases if funding slows. Startups that scaled on hype instead of unit economics may face down rounds or consolidation.
• Due diligence intensifies. Investors will demand clearer metrics such as customer acquisition cost, lifetime value, retention rates, and cash flow.
• Strategic focus shifts to applied AI integration that delivers measurable business value rather than flashy demos.

For enterprise buyers and small businesses

• Focus on ROI. Prioritize AI solutions that show short term, measurable gains in time saved, cost reduction, or revenue lift.
• Move procurement from feature lists to outcomes. Insist on proof of value pilots and success metrics before large purchases.
• Practice vendor due diligence. Check customer references, evaluate product stability, and ask for unit economics where possible.

For the industry

• Consolidation is likely as weaker models are weeded out and stronger players with sustainable business models emerge.
• Product maturity will follow, with improved APIs, compliance features, and integration focus that supports real business processes.

Practical steps for small businesses and procurement teams

1. Run short measurable pilots with clear success criteria for example 20 percent time saved or 10 percent cost reduction.
2. Insist on outcome based pricing or trial periods before committing to large contracts.
3. Evaluate vendor unit economics and customer references not just demo quality.
4. Build an internal adoption plan that includes training metrics tracking and governance.

Conclusion

The CNBC reporting that DeepL and Picsart leaders warned about vibe revenue is a timely reminder that AI valuation 2025 may be driven as much by narrative as by fundamentals. For businesses evaluating AI tools the takeaway is clear: prioritize proof of value measure outcomes and be skeptical of premium pricing that is not tied to demonstrable results. This shift from hype to ROI will help buyers avoid the risks of an AI bubble while encouraging more sustainable innovation across the ecosystem.