It also peaked during the COVID lockdowns, lots of actors needed alternative sources of funds. Maybe the numbers for 1BN came from multiplying revenue into the future, or hell, expecting it to grow even.
No need for "maybe". We know by now how these people think
Absolutely right, but you can also see how this can be a sustainable if not spectacular business going forward even in normal times. There are plenty of "resting" actors and grifting politicians who don't mind doing 60 seconds of work for the price of a round of drinks.
It's not a failure even if VCs think it is.