Innovative EdTech startup Cluely Secures $15 Million in Series A Funding

In a significant development within the emerging AI-enhanced educational technology landscape, Cluely—a startup positioned at the intersection of innovation and controversy—has announced its successful Series A funding round, raising $15 million. The funding was led by renowned venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), highlighting investor confidence in the company’s vision and growth potential.

Cluely has gained attention for its bold claim to assist users in “cheating” on various assessments, including job interviews, examinations, and sales interactions. The company disclosed the funding via a video posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing its recent milestone.

Industry insiders, speaking anonymously to TechCrunch, estimate Cluely’s post-money valuation at approximately $120 million. Andreessen Horowitz chose not to comment on this valuation figure, and the company’s CEO, Roy Lee, has yet to publicly address the specifics.

This latest round follows Cluely’s initial seed investment of $5.3 million, which was announced roughly two months prior. The seed funding was predominantly led by Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures, underscoring early investor interest.

Founded earlier this year by 21-year-old entrepreneur Roy Lee and Neel Shanmugam, Cluely’s origins are notable. The founders previously encountered suspension from Columbia University after developing an AI-driven tool, “Interview Coder,” designed to help candidates bypass assessment barriers in technical interviews undetectably.

As Cluely navigates its growth trajectory, it remains a compelling case of how advanced AI tools are reshaping the landscape of education, employment testing, and professional development—raising important questions about ethics, fairness, and the future role of technology in assessment processes.