AI Startup Cluely Scores $15M Funding Amidst Controversy

Cluely, the AI-powered “cheating” startup, has secured a significant $15 million investment led by Andreessen Horowitz. The funding arrives as the company navigates early controversies, with plans to scale up its controversial business model.

Funding and Bold Ambitions

The San Francisco-based startup, which aimed to assist users in “cheating on everything,” announced the funding round Friday. The company’s cofounder, Chungin “Roy” Lee, made the announcement on X, formerly Twitter.

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Lee plans to concentrate heavily on marketing with the newly acquired capital. His principal objective is for Cluely to amass one billion views across all of its platforms. The company, which initially offered services to aid software engineers with job interviews, has since removed references to this function from its website.

“We backed Roy early because he brings a rare mix of vision and fearlessness,”

—Bryan Kim, Andreessen Horowitz Partner

According to a recent study, the global market for AI in education is projected to reach $25.7 billion by 2027 (MarketsandMarkets 2023), highlighting the increasing integration of AI technologies.

Controversial Beginnings

Cluely originally gained attention for its controversial premise. Lee was suspended by Columbia University over an earlier version of the tool. This tool aimed to give users real-time answers using AI.

Cluely’s original backers, Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures, are also participating in the new round. The startup’s bold ambitions and the potential for AI-driven cheating continue to spark both interest and debate.