Columbia student suspended over interview cheating tool raises $5.3M to ‘cheat on everything’

Tech Crunch - Apr 21st, 2025

Chungin ‘Roy’ Lee, a 21-year-old entrepreneur, has raised $5.3 million in seed funding from Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures for his controversial startup Cluely, which offers an AI tool designed to facilitate 'cheating' in various scenarios. The tool, which emerged after Lee's suspension from Columbia University, is capable of assisting users covertly during exams, sales calls, and job interviews. Cluely's launch video, depicting Lee using the tool on a date, has drawn mixed reactions, with some likening it to a scene from the dystopian series Black Mirror. Despite criticism, Cluely has already achieved over $3 million in annual recurring revenue as it expands its disruptive approach to traditional assessments and evaluations.

The startup’s origins trace back to Lee’s and co-founder Neel Shanmugan’s disciplinary issues at Columbia for developing Interview Coder, a precursor to Cluely. Both founders have since left the university, and they argue that their tool is akin to technological advancements such as calculators and spellcheckers. The broader implications of Cluely's technology raise ethical questions about the future of AI in professional and academic settings, as well as the potential for similar startups to challenge established norms. The launch coincides with another controversial AI endeavor aiming to replace human workers, highlighting an ongoing debate about AI's role in society.

Amazon Columbia University Tech Crunch Seed Funding Cheating Chungin Roy Lee Neel Shanmugan Cluely Ai Tool Black Mirror

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RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded and engaging exploration of a controversial and timely topic, with solid factual accuracy and a balanced presentation of perspectives. Its reliance on credible sources enhances its reliability, though a broader range of voices could enrich the discussion. The story is clearly written and structured, making it accessible to a wide audience, and it effectively captures attention with its focus on the provocative aspects of Cluely's AI tool. However, the article could delve deeper into the broader societal implications and potential policy responses to increase its impact. Overall, it successfully raises important questions about the ethical use of AI technology in modern society.

Accuracy

The story's factual accuracy is generally strong, with most claims supported by sources or verifiable details. For instance, the article accurately reports that Chungin 'Roy' Lee raised $5.3 million in seed funding from Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures, which is verified by TechCrunch. However, some claims, such as the exact details of the disciplinary proceedings at Columbia University and the startup's actual revenue figures, require further verification. The article also mentions Lee's suspension from Columbia due to disciplinary issues related to the AI tool, which aligns with reported facts but lacks full detail on the specific reasons for the suspension. Additionally, the claim regarding Lee's use of the tool to secure an internship at Amazon is reported, though Amazon's non-comment stance leaves this unverified.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by presenting both the innovative aspects of Cluely's AI tool and the ethical concerns it raises. It includes perspectives from the founders, who compare their tool to calculators and spellcheckers, and from critics who liken it to dystopian scenarios. However, the article could improve balance by including more voices from industry experts, educators, or ethicists who might provide deeper insights into the implications of such technology. The focus on the founders' perspectives and the controversy surrounding the launch video might overshadow the broader ethical debate.

Clarity

The article is well-written and structured, making it easy to follow and understand. It uses clear language and logical flow to present the story of Cluely's development and the controversy surrounding its AI tool. The narrative is engaging, with a mix of factual reporting and anecdotal elements like the launch video description. However, some technical aspects of the AI tool could be explained more thoroughly to enhance comprehension for readers unfamiliar with AI technology.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as TechCrunch and Columbia University's student newspaper, which enhances its reliability. These sources are reputable and typically provide accurate information. However, the article could benefit from a wider variety of sources, including direct quotes from investors or statements from Columbia University, to further validate its claims. The reliance on a few primary sources, while strong, limits the breadth of perspectives presented.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting, clearly attributing information to specific sources like TechCrunch and university reports. It discloses the basis for claims about the startup's funding and the founders' backgrounds. However, it could improve transparency by providing more detail on the sources' methodology, such as how the revenue figures were calculated or the nature of the disciplinary proceedings. Additionally, the article could disclose any potential conflicts of interest, particularly if the journalist has connections to the tech or startup community.