Cluely, a controversial startup that aids users in “cheating” during job interviews, exams, and sales calls, has secured $15 million in a Series A funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, the company announced with a video posted on X last Friday. Sources not affiliated with the deal suggest Cluely’s valuation now stands at approximately $120 million, though Andreessen Horowitz has refrained from commenting on this figure.
Founded earlier this year by 21-year-old Roy Lee and Neel Shanmugam, Cluely gained notoriety when the duo was suspended from Columbia University for developing “Interview Coder,” an undetectable AI tool designed to help engineers cheat on technical interviews. Despite its contentious reputation, Cluely asserts its profitability, a claim supported by Lee’s various posts on X and his numerous podcast appearances.
In April, Cluely caught attention with a controversial launch video depicting Lee utilizing a hidden AI assistant to fabricate details about his age and art knowledge during a date. Lee’s provocative online presence and high-quality, albeit divisive, videos have contributed to Cluely’s growing brand awareness.
Adding to the buzz, Cluely attempted to host a large after-party following Y Combinator’s AI Startup School earlier this week. However, the event was shut down by police after nearly 2,000 attendees tried to enter the venue, according to Lee. Despite the disruption, Lee remains optimistic, stating to TechCrunch, “We did some cleanup, but the drinks are all there waiting for the next party.”
This latest funding comes on the heels of Cluely’s previous $5.3 million seed investment co-led by Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures just two months prior. As the startup continues to navigate its controversial path, it remains to be seen how Cluely’s approach will impact its future in the tech industry.
