Chungin Roy Lee, a 21-year-old former Columbia University student, has secured $5.3 million in seed funding for his startup, Cluely. The funding round was led by Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures. Cluely offers an AI-powered tool designed to assist users in various tasks, including exams, sales calls, and job interviews, by providing real-time support through a concealed in-browser window.
The inception of Cluely traces back to Lee’s development of Interview Coder, an AI tool aimed at aiding software engineers during job interviews. This innovation led to his suspension from Columbia University, as the institution deemed it a violation of academic integrity policies. Despite the disciplinary action, Lee and his co-founder, Neel Shanmugam, also a former Columbia student, proceeded to establish Cluely in San Francisco.
Cluely’s mission is to redefine the concept of cheating by drawing parallels to historical technological advancements like calculators and spellcheckers, which were initially criticized but eventually became standard tools. The company has released a manifesto articulating this perspective.
To promote Cluely, the team produced a launch video featuring Lee using the AI assistant during a date to provide real-time information about art and his age. The video elicited mixed reactions, with some viewers appreciating its creativity, while others likened it to scenarios from the dystopian series Black Mirror.
As of early April 2025, Cluely reported surpassing $3 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). The startup’s growth underscores the increasing demand for AI tools that enhance human performance in various professional settings.
Both Lee and Shanmugam have since left Columbia University to focus on Cluely. The university declined to comment on their cases, citing student privacy laws.
Cluely’s journey highlights the evolving discourse on the ethical implications of AI in education and professional environments. While the startup aims to empower users, it also raises questions about the boundaries between assistance and dishonesty.
