Building Cluely: The Viral AI Startup that raised $15M in 10 Weeks
Show Notes
What if virality wasn’t a tactic — but the entire product?
In this episode, a16z General Partners Erik Torenberg and Bryan Kim sit down with Roy Lee, cofounder and CEO of Cluely, one of the most talked-about consumer AI startups of 2025. Cluely didn’t raise a mega round or drop a feature suite to get traction - it broke through by turning distribution into design: launching viral short-form videos, pushing polarizing product drops, and building in public with speed and spectacle.
We cover:
– Why virality is Cluely’s moat
– Building a brand-native AI interface
– The Gen Z founder mindset
– What most startups get wrong about attention
– Why creators are the new product managers
– Cluely’s long-term vision for ambient AI
Cluely is a glimpse at the next generation of startups, where the line between product and performance is disappearing.
Timecodes:
Introduction
Early Success
Roy's Journey: From College Kid to Tech Universe
The Turning Point: Harvard and Beyond
Building Cluey: The Early Days
The Viral Strategy: Mastering Algorithms
The 50 Interns Experiment
The Investment Journey: Roy and Bryan's Partnership
Momentum as a Moat: The Future of AI Companies
The Evolution of Product Strategy in the AI Era
The Importance of Speed and Adaptability
The Role of Distribution in Modern Startups
Roy's Journey and Product Development
The Power of User Data and Feedback
Innovative Marketing and Distribution Tactics
The Future of AI Integration and Translucent Overlays
Controversial Marketing and Authenticity
The Impact of Radical Transparency
The Changing Landscape of Professionalism
Concluding Thoughts and Future Vision
Resources:
Find Roy on X: https://x.com/im_roy_lee
Find Bryan on X: https://x.com/kirbyman01
Learn more about Cluely: http://cluely.com/
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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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