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_lee

Brought 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/sourcery

Kalshi—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/sourcery

Fourthwall—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, Cluely

00:35 - $15M Led by a16z

02:21 - Cluely’s Viral Mega Launch

03:07 - Fundraising Strategies & Founder Mindset

04:51 - From Columbia to Silicon Valley

08:17 - Cluely: Product Overview & Vision

16:39 - Business Model & Profitability

21:10 - Stunt Marketing & Virality

26:48 - Idol: Elon Musk's Freedom & Success

27:05 - Controversies

27:46 - Criticism28:09 - Will Roy Go To Jail?

29:54 - Selling to Enterprise

32:20 - Importance of Viral Content

33:58 - Team Dynamics & 50 Interns

36:03 - Managing Stunts & Culture

46:36 - Leadership Challenges & Personal Reflections

51:09 - Kalshi Predictions & Future Outlook#podcast #investing #technology #venturecapital #entrepreneur #startup #siliconvalley #Cluely #SeriesA #a16z #AmbientAI #FounderLed #CreatorLedGrowth #ViralMarketing #UndetectableAI #EscapeVelocity #ConquerorOfTheUniverse #RoyLee

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

Sourcery