Chungin “Roy” Lee’s journey began at Columbia University, where he developed a tool called Interview Coder. This tool secretly assisted software engineers during job interviews by providing real-time answers through a hidden browser window. The project led to Lee’s suspension from Columbia, but instead of stopping, he joined hands with fellow student Neel Shanmugam to launch Cluely in San Francisco.
How Does Cluely’s AI Tool Work?
Cluely’s main feature is an invisible browser overlay. This hidden window allows users to access AI-powered assistance during live exams, interviews, meetings, and sales calls. The overlay is undetectable by interviewers, proctors, or anyone else on the call, letting users receive instant help without being noticed.
- Real-time answers for coding tests, interviews, and calls
- Invisible to others on screen
- Works for exams, meetings, and negotiations
Funding and Business Growth
Cluely has raised $5.3 million in seed funding from Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures. The company claims to have already crossed $3 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), indicating strong demand despite the controversy.
$5 million to change the definition of the word “cheating”https://t.co/rJuDbS1eC5 https://t.co/BMbBnz1fTE
— Roy (@im_roy_lee) April 21, 2025
Defending the Mission: Is This the Future or Just Cheating?
Cluely’s founders defend their tool by comparing it to calculators and spellcheck—innovations once considered cheating but now widely accepted. Their manifesto argues that society often resists new technology before ultimately embracing it.
“Tools like calculators and spellcheck were once called cheating. Now, they are normal. We believe AI assistance will be the same,” says the Cluely team.
Ethical Debate and Indian Relevance
The launch has sparked global debate, with critics calling it unethical and likening it to an episode of Black Mirror. Supporters argue it exposes flaws in outdated evaluation systems, especially in tech interviews focused on rote problem-solving.
In India, where competitive exams and interviews are a huge part of student and professional life, tools like Cluely could disrupt traditional systems. However, the ethical and legal implications are likely to be hotly debated.
What’s Next for Cluely?
Despite the backlash, Cluely is growing fast and attracting investor interest. Its founders believe AI-powered assistance will soon be as common as calculators in classrooms and offices.
For Indian students and professionals, the rise of such technology raises big questions: Should we embrace AI tools for productivity, or draw a line when it comes to cheating? The debate is just beginning.