Andreessen Horowitz Invests $15 Million in Cluele, an AI Desktop App That Helps Users 'Cheat at Everything'

Andreessen Horowitz, a prominent venture capital firm, has announced its investment in Cluely Inc., an AI startup whose motto is “Cheat at Everything.” This bold and somewhat controversial approach is reflective of the growing trend where AI is being used to shortcut various tasks, from homework to legal filings. Cluele’s desktop app is designed to provide real-time, algorithm-generated assistance during professional meetings and calls, allowing users to appear as if they are contributing valuable insights without actually thinking them up themselves. Bloomberg reported that this latest funding round for Cluele totals $15 million. The app markets itself as a solution for professionals looking to avoid the mental strain of decision-making, boasting features such as on-screen context recognition and live audio interpretation. Cluele's website proudly states, “We built Cluele so you never have to think alone again. It sees your screen, hears your audio, and feeds you answers in real time. While others guess, you’re already right.” The startup offers multiple subscription tiers, catering to different needs. A free version provides five "pro responses" per day, while a paid subscription costs $20 per month for unlimited responses. For businesses, an “enterprise” tier is available, enabling organizations to equip their teams with the tool and potentially transform workplaces into environments where minimal effort yields maximum results—or so the pitch goes. On one hand, Cluele’s transparency about its intentions is almost refreshing in a tech landscape often dominated by grandiose claims of innovation for societal good. However, on the other hand, the app raises serious ethical concerns, particularly about the long-term effects of relying heavily on AI to perform cognitive tasks. Critics argue that such tools could lead to a decrease in critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ultimately undermining professional competence. Cluele’s co-founder, Roy Lee, is a 21-year-old entrepreneur who was previously expelled from Columbia University after creating an AI tool to cheat through Amazon’s job interview process. Despite this checkered past, Andreessen Horowitz is enthusiastic about Cluele’s potential. In a blog post, they stated, “We’re excited to announce our investment in Cluele, the AI-powered desktop assistant that delivers real-time support during everyday moments — whether meetings, customer support calls, project brainstorming sessions, or collaborative tasks. Cluele’s AI-powered assistant operates discreetly on users’ desktops, intelligently interpreting live audio and on-screen context to deliver proactive insights. This lightweight tool has quickly become important in high-stakes professional settings.” While the investment may signal a new direction in AI applications, it also underscores the ongoing debate about the responsible use of technology. As AI continues to permeate various aspects of daily life, the boundaries between augmentation and outright deception become increasingly blurred. The success of Cluele will undoubtedly spark discussions on how society should balance the benefits of AI with the ethical implications of its misuse.