Roy Lee of Cluely isn’t one to shy away from controversy — and he’s bringing that fearless attitude to the Disrupt Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, which will take place from October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco.
He’ll explore his approach to building one of the most buzzworthy AI startups, discuss how embracing controversy can fuel growth, and share what it takes to capture attention in today’s crowded consumer tech landscape. Don’t pass up the opportunity to watch Roy Lee make waves at Disrupt. Register now to save as much as $444 on your ticket, and enjoy a 60% discount on a second pass.
How Roy Lee’s provocative tactics led to a $15 million AI company
Roy Lee is the co-founder and CEO of Cluely, an AI-powered meeting assistant that delivers instant insights and transforms discussions into easily searchable, shareable summaries. With countless companies offering similar tools, what makes Cluely stand out? Lee’s true edge lies in his ability to command attention. While most startups struggle to get noticed, Lee has turned creating polarizing social media content into a core business strategy.
Lee first gained widespread attention as a Columbia University student who faced disciplinary action for using an AI assistant he created to cheat during Big Tech interviews — a story he shared online. After leaving school, Lee launched Cluely, initially branding it as the “cheat on everything startup.” This provocative slogan was crafted to spark debate and drive engagement — a tactic that has become Cluely’s signature and has inspired imitators.
Regardless of opinions on Lee’s marketing style, Cluely consistently cuts through the clutter of social media and press announcements, achieving visibility that even much larger companies struggle to attain. Lee’s philosophy is that most businesses play it too safe, and that commanding attention is the key to winning over consumers.
Earlier this year, Cluely secured $15 million in Series A funding from Andreessen Horowitz, which has been used for high-profile launch videos, a team of content creator interns, and a sprawling San Francisco office. Lee is among the most prominent founders in the current AI surge, and he’s leveraged this position to his benefit.
Cluely founders Image Credits:CluelyDiscover how shaking things up can drive growth — secure your ticket before prices go up
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Lee will discuss his perspective on using virality as a marketing tool, his views on the AI boom, and how Cluely is working to build a sustainable company on the foundation of its social media popularity. Register today to save up to $444 on your ticket, and receive 60% off a second pass. Ticket prices will rise once the event begins on October 27.
Image Credits:Kimberly White / Getty Images