Cluely’s Roy Lee Discusses the Ragebait Strategy in Startup Marketing

Mastering the Art of Going Viral: Insights from Cluely’s Roy Lee

Roy Lee from Cluely stresses the importance of viral marketing for startup founders.

Focus on Distribution in Supercharged Markets

At Disrupt 2025, Lee emphasized, “If you’re not entrenched in deep tech, it’s crucial to shift your focus to effective distribution strategies.”

Viral Marketing Isn’t for Everyone

Lee candidly noted that not all founders possess the innate qualities required for viral success. “If you have solid engineering skills, you might struggle to create engaging content — and that’s okay. For many, going viral might just not be feasible.”

Cluely: A Case Study in Controversial Success

This April, Cluely’s AI assistant gained traction through a bold, albeit false, claim that its undetectable features could “help you cheat on anything.” Despite being debunked by various proctoring services, the company swiftly attracted $15 million from Andreessen Horowitz, rising to prominence in the competitive AI assistant landscape.

Controversy as a Strategy

Lee shared his knack for generating attention, often through controversy. “I excel at presenting myself in provocative ways,” he revealed onstage, “which tends to ignite strong reactions from people.”

The New Currency: Attention Over Reputation

For Lee, the rules of social media have changed significantly. “In today’s world, reputation is fading,” he stated. “While some might cling to traditional standards, influencers like Sam Altman and Elon Musk dominate the conversation.”

Embracing Extreme Authenticity

“It’s crucial to adapt to a shifting landscape where authenticity and personal engagement matter,” he added, recognizing the evolving dynamics of audience interaction.

The Jury’s Out on Revenue Numbers

Although Lee was hesitant to disclose Cluely’s financial metrics, he shared, “I’ve learned to keep revenue figures private; if you’re thriving, few discuss it, but if you’re struggling, it’s all anyone talks about. I’ll say we’re performing better than I anticipated, though we’re not the fastest-growing company out there.”

Here are five FAQs regarding Cluely’s Roy Lee and the ragebait strategy for startup marketing:

FAQ 1: What is the ragebait strategy in startup marketing?

Answer: The ragebait strategy involves creating provocative content that elicits strong emotional reactions—especially anger or outrage—from the audience. By tapping into controversial topics or polarizing opinions, startups can generate buzz, increase engagement, and drive traffic to their platforms.

FAQ 2: How can startups effectively implement the ragebait strategy?

Answer: Startups can implement this strategy by identifying trending issues or debates relevant to their target audience. They should craft engaging content—like articles, social media posts, or videos—that presents a bold stance or challenges popular beliefs, encouraging discussions and shares.

FAQ 3: Are there risks associated with the ragebait strategy?

Answer: Yes, there are potential risks. While it can drive immediate engagement, using ragebait can alienate some audience members or damage a startup’s reputation. It’s crucial to balance provocation with authenticity and ensure that the content aligns with the brand’s values.

FAQ 4: How does the ragebait strategy differ from traditional marketing tactics?

Answer: Traditional marketing often focuses on positive messaging and building long-term relationships with consumers, whereas the ragebait strategy prioritizes quick, electrifying reactions that lead to immediate visibility and engagement. This divergence means startups using ragebait must be prepared for both positive and negative feedback.

FAQ 5: Can the ragebait strategy be used sustainably in marketing?

Answer: While the ragebait strategy can yield quick results, relying solely on it isn’t sustainable. It’s important for startups to balance ragebait tactics with genuine, value-driven content that fosters loyalty and trust. Creating a diversified marketing approach will help sustain engagement over time.

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Cluely’s ARR Surges to $7M in Just a Week, Founder Roy Lee Warns of Rising Competition.

Cluely’s Revenue Soars to $7 Million in ARR After Launching Innovative Enterprise Product

Cluely’s revenue has skyrocketed to about $7 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) since launching its new enterprise product a week ago, founder Roy Lee shared with TechCrunch. “Every single person who has a meeting or an interview is testing this out.”

Introducing Cluely: Revolutionizing Communication with AI

Cluely, a standout in Silicon Valley, utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze online conversations. The platform delivers real-time notes, context, and question suggestions, keeping the information discreetly visible only to the user.

Rapid Growth and Profitability: Cluely’s Emergence

Leading up to the product launch, Lee had proudly announced that the company had exceeded $3 million in ARR and was already profitable.

Consumer and Business Interest Surge

Lee noted that both consumers and businesses are showing significant interest in Cluely’s offerings.

A Controversial Beginning: From Suspended Student to Startup Success

Cluely’s origin is rooted in controversy; Lee claimed on X that he was suspended from Columbia University for creating a tool intended to cheat in job interviews for software engineers. This incident fueled the startup’s launch, embracing the cheeky tagline of “cheat on everything.”

From Controversy to Credibility: Backed by Major VCs

With backing from notable investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Abstract Ventures, and Susa Ventures, the messaging has shifted to “Everything You Need. Before You Ask. … This feels like cheating.”

Cluely’s Growing Reputation in Silicon Valley

Despite its controversial background, businesses continue to engage with Cluely, with Lee revealing that a public company recently doubled its annual contract to $2.5 million.

Expanded Features for Enterprise Users

The enterprise version of Cluely’s product resembles the consumer application but includes added features like team management and enhanced security settings. Key business applications include sales calls, customer support, and remote tutoring.

Real-Time Note-Taking: A Game Changer for Users

Lee highlights that Cluely’s real-time note-taking capability is particularly appealing to customers. “Meeting notes have proven to be a crucial use case for AI. The challenge with competitors is that they only provide post-call summaries,” he remarked. “With our service, you can refer to notes during the meeting.”

Facing Competition: The Rise of Free Alternatives

However, Cluely’s real-time notetaker might face stiff competition. Recently, Pickle—a company branding itself as a digital clone factory—claimed to have developed Glass, an open-source tool with similar features to Cluely. Garnering over 850 stars and nearly 150 forks within hours on X, the developer community’s response indicates a significant interest in this free alternative.

Looking Ahead: Can Cluely Sustain Its Success Amid Competition?

As competition from free products like Glass emerges, the future of Cluely’s remarkable ascent remains to be seen.

Sure! Here are five FAQs based on the announcement regarding Cluely’s ARR:

FAQ 1: What does it mean that Cluely’s ARR doubled to $7M?

Answer: ARR stands for Annual Recurring Revenue, which is a metric used to assess the revenue generated from subscriptions or long-term contracts on an annual basis. Cluely’s ARR doubling indicates significant growth in its subscription-based revenue, reaching $7 million within one week.

FAQ 2: Who is Roy Lee, and what role does he play at Cluely?

Answer: Roy Lee is the founder of Cluely. As the founder, he plays a crucial role in the company’s strategic direction, growth initiatives, and overall leadership, overseeing operations and ensuring the business meets its objectives.

FAQ 3: What factors contributed to the rapid growth in Cluely’s ARR?

Answer: While specific details were not provided, factors could include increased customer acquisition, successful marketing strategies, launching new products or features, or enhanced customer retention efforts. These elements often drive substantial growth in subscription-based business models.

FAQ 4: What does Roy Lee mean by "rivals are coming"?

Answer: Roy Lee’s mention of "rivals are coming" suggests that the competitive landscape is evolving, with potential competitors looking to enter the market or existing competitors likely to improve their offerings. This indicates a need for Cluely to maintain its competitive edge to sustain its growth.

FAQ 5: How might Cluely respond to the competitive pressure from rivals?

Answer: Cluely might respond to competitive pressure through various strategies, such as innovating its product features, enhancing customer service, adjusting pricing strategies, or increasing marketing efforts to strengthen brand loyalty. The company may also focus on market research to understand competitors better and identify areas for differentiation.

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Police Disband Cluely’s Party, the Startup Known for ‘Cheating at Everything’

<div>
  <h2>The Epic Tale of a Legendary Party That Never Happened in San Francisco</h2>

  <p id="speakable-summary" class="wp-block-paragraph">On Monday night, San Francisco's startup scene took a dramatic turn, showcasing what Cluely founder Roy Lee describes as “the most legendary party that never happened.”</p>

  <h3>A High-Profile After-Party Planned</h3>
  <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Cluely aimed to host an after-party for the prestigious <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ycombinator.com/blog/ai-startupschool" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">AI Startup School</a> by Y Combinator, featuring renowned speakers like Sam Altman, Satya Nadella, and Elon Musk.</p>

  <h3>Cluely: Born from Controversy and Comedy</h3>
  <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The AI startup Cluely emerged from <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/21/columbia-student-suspended-over-interview-cheating-tool-raises-5-3m-to-cheat-on-everything/">controversial origins</a> and a unique <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/26/week-in-review-cluely-helps-you-cheat-on-everything/">rage-bait marketing approach</a>. In true fashion, Lee created a satirical promotional video for the after-party, featuring him near the iconic Y Combinator sign, where many founders snap selfies. (Note: Cluely is not a Y Combinator startup.)</p>

  <h3>A Buzz That Outgrew Expectations</h3>
  <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lee's tweet about the party was aimed at his 100,000+ followers and instructed them to DM for an invite. However, he admits the actual invites were limited to friends and acquaintances. The excitement spiraled out of control, leading to a crowd of approximately 2,000 people standing outside the venue when the party was set to begin.</p>

  <h3>Shut Down by Law Enforcement</h3>
  <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The sheer volume of attendees blocked traffic, prompting police intervention that abruptly ended the party. “Cluely’s aura is just too strong!” Lee exclaimed outside while the cops dispersed the crowd.</p>

  <h3>The Legacy of a Party That Wasn't</h3>
  <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lee reflects, “It would have been the most legendary party in tech history. I would argue that the story’s reputation might just elevate it to the status of the most legendary party that never happened,” encapsulating both pride and disappointment.</p>

  <h3>Roy Lee's Rise to Prominence</h3>
  <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lee captured the San Francisco spotlight after he <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/im_roy_lee/status/1905063484783472859" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">went viral on X</a>, revealing his suspension from Columbia University for developing an AI tool aimed at cheating in job interviews for software engineers.</p>

  <h3>A Unique Business Model</h3>
  <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The duo transformed this tool into Cluely, offering an undetectable in-browser window designed to evade interviewers or proctors. Their marketing slogan has evolved from “cheat on everything” to a subtler “Everything you need. Before you ask.” Recently, Cluely secured a $5.3 million seed funding round.</p>

  <h3>Memes, Jokes, and Unforeseen Rumors</h3>
  <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The party's unexpected end spurred a wave of jokes, memes, and wild speculation. Lee describes the aftermath as less exciting than some may think. “We did some cleanup, but the drinks are all there waiting for the next party,” he reassures.</p>
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This version restructures the article with clear headlines optimized for SEO, enhancing its readability while delivering engaging content.

Sure! Here are five FAQs regarding the shutdown of Cluely’s party, a startup focused on "cheating at everything."

FAQ 1: Why did the police shut down Cluely’s party?

Answer: The police intervened due to complaints about noise levels and a lack of proper permits for the gathering. Cluely’s party attracted attention for its unconventional theme, prompting local residents to report disturbances.

FAQ 2: What is Cluely’s startup about?

Answer: Cluely is a startup designed around the concept of helping individuals "cheat at everything," offering tools and resources to enhance productivity and streamline tasks. However, its approach has raised ethical concerns, which may have been a factor in the event’s controversy.

FAQ 3: Were there any arrests made during the shutdown?

Answer: No arrests were made during the shutdown of Cluely’s party. The police managed the situation peacefully, dispersing attendees without incident.

FAQ 4: What happens to the startup after this incident?

Answer: While the police shutdown has caused some negative publicity, Cluely’s startup is expected to continue operations. The founders are focusing on addressing the community’s concerns and clarifying their business approach.

FAQ 5: Can Cluely’s party be rescheduled in the future?

Answer: While it’s possible to reschedule future events, Cluely’s team must ensure compliance with local regulations and address community feedback to avoid similar issues. Future gatherings will likely focus on maintaining a positive community relationship.

Feel free to adjust any details based on your specific needs or context!

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