Cluely, a provocative startup founded by Columbia University dropouts Chungin “Roy” Lee and Neel Shanmugam, received $5.3 million in seed funding from Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures.
The startup aims to develop an AI tool that promises to cheat on everything, stemming from Lee's suspension after creating a tool to cheat on job interviews for software engineers.
Cluely's AI tool claims to provide real-time answers while being undetectable, despite the cheating connotation.
The startup gained attention in 2025 for its controversial nature, sparking a tech arms race with other startups claiming to detect Cluely users.
Critics argue that Cluely's deceitful approach and questionable ethics are likely to lead to its failure.
The funding raised by Cluely has sparked discussions and concerns regarding the accountability and responsibility of investors in supporting such initiatives.
The startup's origin story of turning an academic suspension into a multi-million-dollar venture has garnered both intrigue and skepticism.
Cluely's approach has stirred debate about the fine line between innovative disruption and unethical practices.
The startup's bold manifesto challenges the definition of cheating by comparing its tool to a calculator.
Cluely's viral success has been driven by the controversy surrounding its AI tool's capabilities and intentions.
The emergence of competitors claiming to detect Cluely users indicates the polarizing impact the startup has had on the tech industry.
Cluely's focus on providing real-time answers through AI technology has raised concerns about academic integrity and fair competition.
The startup's objectives and methods have divided opinions within the tech community, with some viewing it as a disruptor and others as a threat to ethical standards.
The clash between Cluely's innovative promises and the ethical dilemmas it poses underscores broader debates about technology's role in facilitating dishonest practices.
Despite the attention and funding received, Cluely's controversial approach and potential repercussions highlight the obstacles it may face in gaining long-term viability.