Cluely Raises $15M to Help Students ‘Cheat on Everything’
Cluely just closed a $15 million Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz. The San Francisco startup offers AI that monitors your screen and feeds real-time answers—helping users “cheat” on interviews, exams, and more. Learn more on Business Insider for full coverage.
🚀 What You Need to Know
- Funding milestone: Andreessen Horowitz led the round, boosting total investment to around $20 million finance.yahoo.com
- Controversial positioning: Branded as an “undetectable” cheating tool, Cluely scrubs interview references but still advertises extreme productivity enhancements businessinsider.com.
- Founders’ spotlight: Co-founder Roy Lee went viral after being suspended from Columbia University for an earlier version of the product thetimes.co.uk
- Viral marketing push: The goal: reach 1 billion views across platforms. Plans include hiring 50 interns to post four TikToks per day businessinsider.com
- Profitable & valued: Now profitable, Cluely’s valuation stands around $120 million medial.app
🧩 Why It Matters
- Ethical debate ignited: Critics argue it normalizes cheating. Supporters claim it levels the playing field .
- VC appetite for bold ideas: a16z’s backing highlights willingness to support edgy, high-growth AI models.
- Cultural ripple effect: Cluely may reshape expectations around AI assistants, productivity, and integrity.
What Cluely Offers
Cluely offers students assistance across various subjects, providing tools and resources designed to improve academic performance. However, the nature of these services has raised eyebrows, with critics arguing that they undermine the principles of academic integrity.
Key Features
- Personalized learning support
- Access to a wide range of study materials
- Assistance with assignments and exam preparation
A16z’s Investment
The decision by a16z to invest in Cluely signals a belief in the potential of technology to transform education. Andreessen Horowitz has a history of backing innovative companies, and their investment in Cluely suggests they see a significant opportunity in the academic assistance market. You can explore more about a16z’s portfolio to understand their investment strategy.
Ethical Concerns
Ethical Debate Swirls Around Cluely’s AI Tutoring
Cluely markets itself as an AI tutor, helping students across subjects. However, some educators insist it crosses the line into cheating. They worry it undermines learning and critical thinking.
Learn more in this in-depth Business Insider report.
⚖️ Key Ethical Concerns
- Tinkering with integrity: Critics say CluCluely Secures $15M from a16z for ‘Cheat on Everything’ely blurs the line between support and dishonesty. They argue it prevents students from learning core skills and reflecting on their work businessinsider.com
- Hindering critical thinking: Students using Cluely “don’t really have to think that much,” according to one account. This limits their ability to plan, analyze, and reflect dailynous.com
- Educator responses: In turn, teachers are adapting. Some ban AI altogether. Others design AI-resistant tasks or require in-person write-ups—all to preserve original thought businessinsider.com.
🧭 Why This Debate Matters
- Core skill erosion: Education aims to build critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and self-reflection. Tools like Cluely may shortcut these essential processes nciea.org
- AI literacy gaps: Experts argue we need structured lessons on AI ethics and digital responsibility—so tools like Cluely serve as aids, not crutches .
- Institutional shifts: Schools are revising assessments, class formats, and exam rules. They’re making tasks AI-resistant and conversation-based to foster deeper understanding businessinsider.com.
Arguments Against:
- Undermines academic integrity
- Reduces independent learning
- Potentially devalues education
Arguments For:
- Provides accessible learning resources
- Offers personalized support for students who need it
- Can improve academic outcomes
