The Cluely AI startup, infamous for helping users “cheat on everything” from job interviews to exams, has secured $15 million in Series A funding. The round, led by Andreessen Horowitz, propels the startup’s post-money valuation to an estimated $120 million, according to sources cited by TechCrunch.
Founded in early 2025 by Roy Lee (21) and Neel Shanmugam, Cluely first made waves after the co-founders were suspended from Columbia University for developing “Interview Coder,” a stealth AI assistant designed to help software engineers ace technical interviews undetected. Despite the controversy, Cluely has turned its notoriety into profit—and a brand.
From Campus Suspension to Startup Stardom
The platform offers AI-powered tools that assist users in interviews, exams, and sales calls, boasting real-time suggestions and background coaching via discreet interfaces. Its success lies not only in its technology, but in Roy Lee’s carefully crafted media persona—one built on viral videos, shock value, and relentless online engagement.
In April, Cluely posted a highly produced launch video showing Lee using a hidden AI to lie on a date about his age and interests. This blend of marketing savvy and ethical provocation helped the startup attract attention—and venture capital.
Backed by Big VC, With Bigger Controversy
This latest $15 million investment follows a $5.3 million seed round raised just two months prior, co-led by Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures. Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley’s top-tier firms, declined to comment on Cluely’s valuation, but their support marks a significant endorsement.
Despite—or perhaps because of—its ethical ambiguity, Cluely is already profitable, according to public statements by Lee. Its business model is attracting both customers and scrutiny, as debates intensify around the role of AI in high-stakes human evaluation.
“Cheat-Tech” Culture Sparks Debate
Critics say Cluely’s tools undermine academic integrity and professional credibility, while supporters argue it democratizes access for candidates who struggle with conventional hiring processes. Either way, the startup is forcing conversations around what AI-enhanced performance should look like in 2025.
Earlier this week, Cluely attempted to host an after-party following Y Combinator’s AI Startup School in California, which was shut down by police after attracting over 2,000 attendees. “The drinks are still there for the next party,” Lee quipped in a comment.
