Cluely Raises $15 Million From a16z | Roy Lee, Founder & CEO

Roy Lee, Founder & CEO of Cluely, announces their $15M from Andreessen Horowitz to build what they call the most viral AI startup in the world. In this deep dive, we break down their product, business model, fundraising strategy, controversial stunt marketing playbook, and what it means to scale with creator-led growth. With over $20M in total funding, Cluely is building real-time, undetectable screen overlays, Cluely is rethinking how AI should show up in your workflow, and they’re doing it profitably. Cluely last announced their $5.3M Seed round in April 2025, co-led by Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures.Whether you think they’re brilliant or reckless, this is one of the most fascinating startup stories in tech right now.Try Cluely: https://cluely.com/Molly on X: https://x.com/MollySOSheaRoy on X: https://x.com/im_roy_leeBrought to you by:Brex—The modern finance platform, combining the world’s smartest corporate card with integrated expense management, banking, bill pay, and travel. As a Sourcery listener, you can unlock up to $500 toward Brex travel or $300 in cash back, plus exclusive perks to help you move even faster: https://brex.com/sourceryKalshi—The largest prediction market and the only legal platform in the US where people can trade directly on the outcomes of future events: https://kalshi.com/sourceryFourthwall—The #1 way to sell merch online — Fourthwall is the easiest way to launch a fully branded merch store—used by big brands like MKBHD, Acquired, & even the Smithsonian. 100+ products. No upfront cost. Visit Fourthwall to start today: https://fourthwall.com/Follow Sourcery for the latest updates! https://www.sourcery.vc/TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Roy Lee, Cluely00:35 - $15M Led by a16z02:21 - Cluely’s Viral Mega Launch03:07 - Fundraising Strategies & Founder Mindset04:51 - From Columbia to Silicon Valley08:17 - Cluely: Product Overview & Vision16:39 - Business Model & Profitability21:10 - Stunt Marketing & Virality26:48 - Idol: Elon Musk's Freedom & Success27:05 - Controversies27:46 - Criticism28:09 - Will Roy Go To Jail?29:54 - Selling to Enterprise32:20 - Importance of Viral Content33:58 - Team Dynamics & 50 Interns36:03 - Managing Stunts & Culture46:36 - Leadership Challenges & Personal Reflections51:09 - Kalshi Predictions & Future Outlook#podcast #investing #technology #venturecapital #entrepreneur #startup #siliconvalley #Cluely #SeriesA #a16z #AmbientAI #FounderLed #CreatorLedGrowth #ViralMarketing #UndetectableAI #EscapeVelocity #ConquerorOfTheUniverse #RoyLee