What if you didn’t need to memorize anything to land your dream job, win a sales call, or crush your next meeting? What if you could tap into an invisible AI assistant that gives you answers in real-time, without anyone knowing? That’s exactly what Cluely is doing. Founded in 2024 by Roy Lee, Cluely started out as InterviewCoder, a tool built to help software engineering students tackle technical interviews. However, what began as a bold “cheating” app quickly turned into something much bigger.
Backed by $5.3 million in seed funding from Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures, Cluely is now redefining how people get work done in high-pressure environments. Within just 16 days of launch, the company reached $3 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), a number most startups only dream of.
Today, Cluely isn’t just for engineers. It’s a browser-based AI that supports you in real time, whether you’re pitching to a client, solving complex tasks during solo work, or navigating an intense team meeting. It’s sleek, undetectable, and built to enhance your brain, not replace it. With over 70,000 users and counting, it’s clear: people are tired of gatekeeping and ready for an AI that keeps up.
From Viral Buzz to Real-World Utility
Cluely’s rise wasn’t quiet. A single promotional video showing the app in action on a date went viral, racking up over 12 million views and triggering a global conversation about what it means to “cheat” in the age of AI. The video may have stirred controversy, but it also drove results: 0.25% of viewers became users, proving that people were not just watching; they were buying in.
The app is free on macOS with a $20/month Pro plan, making it accessible for students and professionals alike. However, more than the price tag, it’s the promise that hits: Cluely shifts the focus from outdated systems of memorization to real-time performance. “You can call it cheating. You can call it whatever you want. But the future is now,” says Roy Lee, the 21-year-old founder who’s unapologetic about the company’s mission.
Initially aimed at helping students beat interview questions, Cluely has evolved into an all-purpose productivity layer. It operates discreetly in-browser, offering support in meetings; sales calls, strategy sessions, and more. Users no longer have to pause or guess; the AI helps them stay ahead without skipping a beat. This isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about leveling the playing field.
Changing How We Work, Not Just How We Learn
Cluely is more than a tool. In a world obsessed with testing, credentials, and performance under pressure, Cluely offers a different path: one where assistance isn’t taboo, and outcomes matter more than effort. The AI doesn’t just respond to prompts; it understands context, anticipates needs, and delivers solutions in real time.
This shift is especially powerful in high-stakes jobs where clarity and speed are everything. Imagine presenting to a boardroom, managing client objections during a pitch, or making decisions during a crisis. With Cluely, your support system is right there, quiet, efficient, and always on. It’s not hard to see why critics are concerned. Some educators warn that apps like Cluely undermine traditional assessment. However, for those under pressure to perform, it’s a lifeline.
According to new LinkedIn research, 64% of professionals feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of workplace changes, while 68% say they need more support than ever before. Cluely answers that call. It cuts through the mental clutter and provides real-time help when it matters most, whether you’re prepping for a presentation or navigating a tricky client call.
Cluely’s Vision: AI That Lives With You
The current version of Cluely already feels like science fiction: a sleek, invisible assistant that thinks alongside you. However, Roy Lee and his team are dreaming even bigger. The future they see goes beyond browser tabs. They’re exploring wearables, smart glasses, and even neural interface tools that make you feel like a cyborg, but in a good way.
It may sound extreme, but Lee sees it as natural evolution. “Everything as we know it in society is about to be changed in the next five to 10 years,” he says. “Entire economic systems will collapse. And nobody knows what the future is going to look like.” For Roy, the answer is not fear. It’s preparation.
Cluely is building for a world where AI doesn’t just respond; it predicts, supports, and enhances. Also, while the critics argue ethics, Cluely is already moving forward, proving there’s a market for bold tools that empower people to perform at their best, especially when the stakes are high.
The startup’s journey from a niche “cheating” tool to a next-gen productivity platform shows that disruption isn’t just possible, it’s necessary. In the words of Roy Lee, “If you’re not with the program, you will get replaced by someone who uses AI extremely quickly.” That may sound harsh, however, in a world racing toward automation, staying ahead means getting comfortable with help.
About Cluely
Cluely is a San Francisco–based AI startup that provides real-time performance support for job interviews, sales calls, and exams. Built with a discreet, in-browser interface, Cluely’s technology allows users to access personalized, context-aware assistance without being detected. What began as a viral project by Columbia University student Roy Lee has grown into a venture-backed company with $5.3 million in seed funding from Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures. Cluely is redefining how people prepare, perform, and compete in an AI-powered world. To learn more, visit cluely.com.
