Cluely, a San Francisco-based AI startup launched in 2024, isn’t here to play nice – it’s here to obliterate outdated notions of productivity and performance. With a jaw-dropping $5.3 million in seed funding from Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures, Cluely has turned heads by racking up $3 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) in just 16 days post-launch. Born from its rebellious roots as InterviewCoder, a so-called “cheating app” designed to help software engineering students dominate technical interviews, Cluely has morphed into an “Everything App” that delivers real-time, undetectable AI assistance. Whether it’s nailing a high-stakes job interview, closing a sales deal, or powering through deep work, Cluely’s in-browser AI operates like a secret weapon, providing answers and insights faster than you can blink. The company’s mission is to turbocharge human potential, making rote memorization and outdated gatekeeping irrelevant in a world where AI is king. With 70,000 users hooked and a viral launch video that scored 12 million views, Cluely is rewriting the rules of work and education with zero apologies.
A Viral Sensation Sparking Global Debate
Cluely’s meteoric rise began with a launch video that didn’t just go viral-it detonated, amassing 12 million views and igniting a firestorm of debate. The video’s bold pitch, branding Cluely as the ultimate “cheating” tool, converted 0.25% of viewers into 70,000 users in mere weeks, proving the world is ready for its audacious vision. Available for free on macOS with a $20/month Pro subscription for unlimited access, Cluely’s accessibility has fueled its explosive growth. Its manifesto draws a line in the sand: just as calculators and spellcheck revolutionized their eras, Cluely’s AI is the next leap in human-computer collaboration. By prioritizing outcomes over traditional metrics, the app empowers users to focus on creativity and strategy, whether they’re outsmarting coding challenges or crafting killer sales pitches. Critics, including AI educators, have slammed Cluely for potentially eroding trust in academic and professional assessments, but the company shrugs off the noise. It’s shifted its messaging to highlight real-world applications-think sales calls, client meetings, and high-pressure work scenarios-while staying true to its disruptive core. Cluely isn’t just a tool; it’s a middle finger to systems that value memorization over innovation.
Pushing Boundaries Beyond the Browser
Cluely’s ambitions stretch far beyond its current in-browser prowess. The company is already eyeing a future where AI isn’t just software but part of your very existence. Think smart glasses, AI-powered wearables, or even neural interfaces that make you a walking, talking supercomputer. This isn’t science fiction; it’s Cluely’s roadmap. The startup’s $5.3 million war chest and $3 million ARR underscore its ability to scale fast, but it’s the vision that sets it apart. Cluely sees a world where AI anticipates your needs before you do, rendering traditional barriers like exams or interviews obsolete. While critics cry foul, supporters hail it as a democratizing force, leveling the playing field for those navigating cutthroat academic and professional landscapes. Cluely’s not backing down, it’s doubling down on a future where AI augmentation is as normal as breathing.
Leading the Charge for an AI-Driven Future
With 70,000 users and counting, Cluely has tapped into a generation hungry for tools that match the speed of the AI age. Its $5.3 million funding round signals unshakable investor confidence, while its freemium model-free access with a premium Pro plan-ensures broad reach and sustainable growth. The company’s ability to hit $3 million in ARR in under three weeks showcases its scalability and magnetic appeal, particularly among students and professionals facing high-pressure environments. Cluely’s technology, which slips past traditional detection methods, has made it a lightning rod in the AI ethics debate, forcing institutions to rethink how they assess talent. But Cluely isn’t here to ask permission; it’s here to redefine productivity. By envisioning a world where AI is seamlessly integrated into every decision, from boardroom pitches to classroom exams, Cluely is challenging the very structures of work and education. Its influence extends beyond tech, sparking a cultural reckoning about AI’s role in society. Love it or hate it, Cluely is driving the conversation, proving that the future of work isn’t coming, it’s already here, and it’s powered by Cluely.
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.
