AI startup that lets you ‘cheat’ in interviews and exams gets $5.3 million boost

Cluely released a launch video featuring Lee using the tool during a date to falsely claim knowledge about art and his own age.

Cluely, a new AI startup founded by 21-year-old Chungin Lee, has secured $5.3 million in funding from Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures. The startup is attracting attention for its bold positioning as an AI-powered tool that helps users ‘cheat on everything.’ As the name suggests, the AI tool offers real-time, hidden assistance during job interviews, exams, and sales calls. It provides answers via a concealed in-browser window that remains invisible to others, including interviewers and proctors.

In its online manifesto, the startup argues that tools like Cluely represent the next logical step in human-computer collaboration. (Cluely)

By Ayushmann Chawla

Ayushmann Chawla is the Deputy Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times. A seasoned tech journalist with years of experience working for some of the industry’s leading media organizations, his articles can also be read on Live Mint. His passion extends beyond journalism—he’s a dedicated automobile enthusiast, always ready to explore the latest in car technology and design. A self-confessed gadget lover, Ayushmann finds joy in testing new devices and sharing his findings with his audience. Instagram: ayushmannchawla

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Cluely’s origin story is as unconventional as its product. Lee, a former Columbia University student, went viral on X (formerly Twitter) after revealing he was suspended from the university for co-creating an earlier version of the tool. Named Interview Coder, it was built to assist software engineers in passing technical interviews using covert AI support.

Rather than derail his ambitions, the suspension served as a launchpad. Lee and his co-founder expanded their idea into Cluely, a San Francisco-based company aiming to scale this AI-based assistance to broader scenarios beyond job interviews.

Mixed reactions from critics

In its online manifesto, the startup argues that tools like Cluely represent the next logical step in human-computer collaboration. However, the comparison is drawing mixed reactions, with critics warning that the tool encourages deception in professional and academic settings.

Controversial Marketing

Cluely released a launch video featuring Lee using the tool during a date to falsely claim knowledge about art and his own age. The video, though polished, has sparked debate over the company’s ethical stance and approach to marketing. Some have called it a sharp satire of modern AI use, while others see it as normalising dishonesty. You can watch the video below.

Despite the polarising premise, Cluely’s ability to attract top-tier venture funding highlights continued investor interest in AI applications, even those that push ethical boundaries.