Cluely’s Controversial AI Tool Raises $15 Million Amid Cheating Allegations

Cluely, a startup that allegedly assists users in «cheating» during interviews, exams, and sales calls, has secured $15 million in a Series A funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, as announced by the company on Friday in a video posted on X.

Two investors, not involved in the deal, told TechCrunch that they believe Cluely’s valuation after this financing stands at approximately $120 million. Andreessen Horowitz declined to comment on this figure. Cluely’s CEO, Roy Lee, did not respond to a request for comment.

The fresh investment comes about two months after the company raised $5.3 million in seed funding from Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures.

Founded earlier this year by 21-year-olds Roy Lee and Neil Shanmugam, Cluely emerged after the duo was expelled from Columbia University for creating a covert AI-powered tool called Interview Coder, which assisted engineers in cheating during technical interviews.

According to numerous posts from Lee on X and his appearances on podcasts, Cluely is generating profit.

Lee’s provocative social media presence and thoughtfully crafted controversial videos have helped attract attention and elevate Cluely’s brand recognition.

For instance, in April, as previously reported by TechCrunch, Cluely released a striking yet contentious video showcasing how Lee uses a hidden AI assistant to tell a woman falsehoods about his age and even his knowledge of art on a date at an upscale restaurant.

Earlier this week, Cluely was looking to host a big celebration following a two-day event at Y Combinator’s AI Startup School. However, the police shut down the gathering after around 2,000 people attempted to access the venue, Lee shared in an interview with TechCrunch. Upon their arrival, he mentioned to TC, «We cleared some things out, but the drinks are still here, waiting for the next party.»

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[Source](https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/20/cluely-a-startup-that-helps-cheat-on-everything-raises-15m-from-a16z/)