Columbia Student Suspended for Cheating Tool Launches New Venture, Raising $5.3M to Revolutionize Academic Assistance
On Sunday, Chungin “Roy” Lee, a 21-year-old entrepreneur, revealed that he has successfully raised $5.3 million in seed funding from Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures for his innovative startup, Cluely. This groundbreaking company offers an AI tool designed to assist users in what Lee describes as “cheating on everything,” including exams and job interviews.
From Controversy to Capital: The Birth of Cluely
The inception of Cluely can be traced back to a viral thread on X, where Lee shared his experience of being suspended from Columbia University. This suspension occurred after he and his co-founder developed a tool intended to help users cheat during software engineering interviews.
What Does Cluely Offer?
Originally known as Interview Coder, the tool has evolved into a comprehensive platform that enables users to “cheat” on various tasks through a discreet in-browser interface that remains invisible to interviewers and examiners. Cluely’s services include:
- Assistance during job interviews
- Support for exams
- Guidance for sales calls
Cluely’s Manifesto and Launch Video
In a bold move, Cluely has released a manifesto likening its tool to historical innovations such as calculators and spellcheckers, which were initially criticized for promoting cheating.
Additionally, the startup shared a captivating yet controversial launch video featuring Lee attempting to use a hidden AI assistant during a date, resulting in humorous and awkward moments. You can view the video here.
Reactions to Cluely’s Marketing Approach
The video sparked mixed reactions, with some praising its creativity while others compared it to themes from the dystopian series Black Mirror. One observer remarked:
Imagine making a Black Mirror short as a product ad. — Cody Blakeney
Cluely’s Growth and Future Prospects
As Cluely continues to grow, Lee, who serves as the CEO, disclosed to TechCrunch that the AI tool has already surpassed $3 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). His co-founder, Neel Shanmugam, also a 21-year-old former Columbia student, serves as the COO. Both founders have left Columbia amidst ongoing disciplinary proceedings related to their AI tool.
Controversies in the AI Startup Space
Cluely is not the only AI startup generating buzz this month. Earlier, a prominent AI researcher launched a venture aimed at replacing human workers entirely, igniting significant discussions on social media platforms.
As the landscape of AI startups evolves, Cluely’s unique approach to utilizing artificial intelligence for controversial applications raises important questions about ethics and the future of technology in our daily lives.
For more insights on AI innovations, check out our comprehensive guide on AI Technology Trends.
