Unlocking Success: The Truth Behind Viral Hype According to Roy Lee

Cluely: Navigating the Complexities of Startup Growth

In the competitive world of startups, Roy Lee, the visionary behind Cluely, emphasizes the importance of social media virality while acknowledging that sustainable growth requires more than just brand awareness.

During a recent appearance at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Lee reflected on Cluely’s early days, admitting that the decision to launch prematurely may have been a misstep. The strategy was to attract initial users with a product that was still in its infancy, hoping that they would uncover its utility over time.

Cluely made a splash in the tech industry with provocative marketing claims about enabling users to “cheat on everything.” This bold approach stemmed from Lee’s past controversy at Columbia University, where he faced suspension for creating a tool designed to facilitate cheating in coding interviews. Leveraging this notoriety, Cluely positioned itself as a platform that provided undetectable assistance for various online interactions.

The startup expanded its offerings in June by introducing an enterprise product designed to support sales calls, customer service, and virtual tutoring. However, a recent shift in focus saw Cluely rebranding itself as an AI assistant for meetings, aiming to excel in note-taking capabilities. Despite entering a competitive market, Lee highlighted features like automated follow-up emails as key differentiators.

While Lee remained guarded about specific sales and retention figures, he hinted at exceeding his expectations but tempered expectations by acknowledging that Cluely was not experiencing explosive growth. The company’s ability to attract attention secured a $15 million Series A funding round from Andreessen Horowitz, with investor Bryan Kim praising Lee’s knack for converting interest into revenue.

Initial success was evident when Cluely’s annual recurring revenue surged from $3 million to $7 million within a week of product launch. Despite this early triumph, Lee opted to keep financial metrics confidential, cautioning against the pitfalls of revealing revenue figures in a volatile market.

In an industry where transparency is common practice, Cluely’s reluctance to disclose performance metrics stands out. While some AI startups openly share their revenue growth, Lee believes that maintaining a level of mystery can shield the company from undue scrutiny.

Cluely’s journey underscores a vital lesson for tech ventures – while social media buzz can generate initial interest, a robust product is essential for retaining customers in the long run. As the startup refines its focus and offerings, the road to sustained growth lies in delivering exceptional value to users.