In a stunning development, Cluely, a San Francisco-based startup notorious for its promise to help users 'cheat on everything,' has raised $15 million in a funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). The announcement, made on June 20, 2025, has sparked intense debate in the tech community over the ethics of supporting a platform that openly promotes deception.
Founded by Columbia University dropout Roy Lee, Cluely initially gained attention for its AI-powered tools designed to assist users in bypassing traditional systems of merit, from academic exams to job interviews. The startup's viral growth, reportedly reaching 70,000 users since its inception, has now culminated in this significant investment, signaling strong backing from one of Silicon Valley's most influential venture capital firms.
Cluely's mission, as articulated by Lee in a recent interview, is to 'level the playing field' by providing tools that challenge conventional gatekeeping mechanisms. However, critics argue that the platform undermines integrity and could have far-reaching consequences in education and employment sectors, where authenticity and skill are paramount.
The $15M funding round is expected to fuel Cluely's expansion, with plans to enhance its AI capabilities and broaden its user base. While a16z has not publicly commented on the ethical concerns surrounding the investment, their involvement suggests a belief in the startup's potential to disrupt established norms, for better or worse.
Public sentiment, as seen in various online discussions, remains deeply divided. Some view Cluely as a revolutionary tool for empowerment, while others see it as a dangerous precedent that could erode trust in critical systems. This funding round only intensifies the scrutiny on how Cluely will navigate its controversial path forward.
As the startup continues to grow, the tech industry watches closely. Will Cluely redefine opportunity, or will it face regulatory and societal backlash? Only time will tell, but for now, the $15 million vote of confidence from a16z has cemented its place as one of 2025's most polarizing startups.
Andrew Lee
