Roy Lee, the founder of Cluely, is coming in hot to the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 stage. This wonderful new opportunity will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone West, October 27‐29, 2025. This is the young man who first shot to fame as a Columbia University student after going viral for using somewhat sketchy Big Tech interview prep practices. Now he wants to share what he’s learned about how “rage-baiting” can penetrate the noise of the AI space. This event is an even larger moment for Lee. His little AI startup has completely upended the competitive landscape of generative artificial intelligence.
Cluely, a startup specializing in AI solutions, recently secured $15 million in Series A funding from prominent venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. The funds have allowed the company to invest in high-profile marketing initiatives, flashy launch videos, and a large office presence in San Francisco. Lee’s approach to marketing diverges from traditional paths, focusing instead on bold and sometimes controversial tactics that he believes are essential for capturing consumer attention.
Marketing Disruption through Controversy
Lee’s journey to success in the tech world has not come without hardship. He first made headlines when he admitted to using an AI assistant he developed to cheat during interviews with major technology companies. This revelation led to explosive conversations about ethical lines in the industry. Lee captured his trip on social media, quickly transforming his blunders into unfortunate lessons on virality and what happens when you harness the power of a million eyes.
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Lee wants to go much deeper on his unconventional marketing philosophy. There’s a lot of really good companies that are just too safe with their marketing approach. As such, they are losing out on fertile opportunities to engage with consumers. Cluely teaches an audacious playbook to be the underdog that can win big in the AI marketplace. They use timely and engaging content to create genuine brand awareness on a massive scale.
Cluely’s Vision and Funding Strategy
That last funding round has allowed Cluely to scale its operation more than ever, however. The company has hired content creator interns and put money into eye-catching creative marketing assets that your audience can connect with. Lee’s vision for Cluely revolves around generating buzz and excitement around AI solutions, which he believes is critical for standing out in a crowded marketplace.
During his presentation at TechCrunch Disrupt, Lee will discuss how virality can serve as an effective marketing strategy amidst the current AI bubble. To be successful in today’s world, he posits, you need to win consumer attention. He feels that traditional marketing methods just aren’t cutting it in the world’s ever-changing, always-on digital environment.
The Future of AI Marketing
Looking forward, Lee’s lessons will be indispensable as sectors of society further explore and adjust to the benefits brought about by artificial intelligence. His creativity and approach can be a model to the next generation of movers and shakers who want to leave their imprint. Cluely continues to expand and find new creative ways every day to do this. We’ll be watching closely to see how her unorthodox methods continue to revolutionize the hottest marketing industry in the world.