Cluely Closes $15M Series A Led by Andreessen Horowitz Amid Controversy

By James Dargan · 24 June 2025 · 1 min read

Cluely, a polarizing AI startup that offers tools to assist users during job interviews, exams, and sales calls, has secured $15 million in Series A funding led by Andreessen Horowitz. The deal follows a $5.3 million seed round raised just two months ago, and while the company did not confirm valuation details, investors estimate it at approximately $120 million post-money.

Founded by Roy Lee and Neel Shanmugam, both suspended from Columbia University for building an undetectable AI interview assistant, Cluely has quickly become profitable and gained notoriety through Lee’s provocative online presence. The company says it aims to challenge traditional gatekeeping using AI, despite rising ethical scrutiny around its products.

Featured image: Credit: Cluely

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James Dargan

James Dargan is a writer and researcher at The AI Insider. His focus is on the AI startup ecosystem and he writes articles on the space that have a tone accessible to the average reader.

Cluely Closes $15M Series A Led by Andreessen Horowitz Amid Controversy

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