Cluele Raises $5.3M for Undetectable AI Tool Aiming to Redefine Work and Exams, Sparking Backlash

The controversial AI startup Cluely has sent ripples through the tech industry with its bold claim that cheating could become a mainstay in the future of work. Cluele's stealthy browser overlay is marketed as "undetectable" and designed to assist users in acing job interviews and exams, even if they lack genuine knowledge or preparation. This provocative approach has attracted significant attention, and the company has already secured $5.3 million in funding. However, it has also drawn intense criticism from other startups focused on developing tools to detect such practices. This week, TechCrunch’s Equity podcast delved into the implications of Cluele’s strategy, questioning whether it is ingenious, reprehensible, or perhaps a bit of both. Hosts Kirsten Korosec, Max Zeff, and Anthony Ha explored the broader context of how this reflects on the role of AI in the modern workplace. In response to the backlash, Cluele announced plans to develop smart glasses or brain chips, further stoking the controversy. The podcast episode discussed several key points: The Viral Strategy: Cluele’s marketing approach has certainly generated a lot of buzz. By positioning themselves as a solution to the common challenges of job interviews and exams, they have tapped into a widespread desire for shortcuts and easy fixes. However, the ethical implications of promoting cheating are far from trivial. Funding Success: Despite the controversy, investors seem intrigued by the idea. The $5.3 million in funding suggests that there is a market for Cluele’s services, but it also raises questions about the values driving investment decisions in the tech sector. Backlash from Competitors: Startups working on anti-cheating technologies are understandably upset. These companies invest time and resources into creating solutions that uphold integrity and fair competition, only to see Cluele openly defy those principles. The conflict highlights the tension between innovation and ethical responsibility. Future Technologies: Cluele’s plan to develop smart glasses or brain chips adds another layer to the debate. While these technologies could potentially enhance human capabilities, the prospect of using them to cheat in various contexts is deeply troubling. It poses new challenges for both educators and employers who are trying to maintain standards of performance and ethics. The hosts of the Equity podcast also reflected on the broader societal impact of Cluele’s approach. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the line between augmentation and cheating blurs. This raises important questions about the future of work and education, and the role of technology in shaping these landscapes. TechCrunch’s Equity podcast is a staple for those interested in tech and business news. Produced by Theresa Loconsolo, the podcast is released every Wednesday and Friday, covering the latest headlines and insightful discussions. To keep up with all the latest episodes, subscribe on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, or any other podcast service. You can also follow Equity on X and Threads at @EquityPod. For those who prefer reading, transcripts of all episodes are available in TechCrunch’s archive. Stay tuned for next week’s episode as the discussion continues.