We're sunsetting PodQuest on 2025-07-28. Thank you for your support!
Export Podcast Subscriptions
cover of episode Building Cluely: The Viral AI Startup that raised $15M in 10 Weeks

Building Cluely: The Viral AI Startup that raised $15M in 10 Weeks

2025/6/25
logo of podcast a16z Podcast

a16z Podcast
AI Deep Dive AI Chapters Transcript
People
B
Bryan Kim
E
Erik Torenberg
R
Roy Lee
Topics
Roy Lee: 我认为Cluely的成功在于将病毒式传播作为核心产品策略，而非仅仅是营销手段。我对算法的掌握使我能够有效地利用社交媒体平台，尤其是在X（Twitter）和LinkedIn等平台上的争议性内容。我坚信，通过持续发布引人注目且具有争议性的内容，我可以吸引大量关注，并将这种关注转化为实际的用户增长和收入。我正在构建的不仅仅是一个AI产品，而是一个能够重新定义公司如何与世界互动的品牌。 Bryan Kim: 我看到了Roy将病毒式传播转化为实际商业价值的能力，这在当今竞争激烈的AI领域至关重要。我投资Cluely是因为我相信Roy能够以惊人的速度和适应性构建产品和营销策略。我意识到，传统的护城河理论在AI时代已经不再适用，而动量和快速迭代才是成功的关键。Cluely正在以一种前所未有的方式将产品和营销融为一体，这使它在众多AI创业公司中脱颖而出。 Erik Torenberg: 我认为Roy正在将技术创始人和受众联合创始人结合起来，这在软件领域是前所未有的。我看到了Cluely将病毒式传播与AI产品创新相结合的潜力，这使它能够以惊人的速度获取用户和市场份额。我意识到，在当今营销渠道枯竭的时代，传播是稀缺资源，而Roy正在以一种独特的方式掌握这种资源。我坚信，Cluely正在开创一种新的公司构建模式，这将对未来的创业格局产生深远的影响。

Deep Dive

Chapters
Roy Lee's journey from a college student to the CEO of a viral AI startup, Cluely, is highlighted. His rebellious nature and knack for attracting attention, even leading to his expulsion from Harvard, shaped his entrepreneurial drive. The support of his parents, initially concerned, eventually shifted to acceptance of his unconventional methods.
  • Roy Lee's early life was characterized by attention-grabbing behavior.
  • His expulsion from Harvard fueled his entrepreneurial ambitions.
  • His parents initially disapproved but eventually embraced his unconventional path.

Shownotes Transcript

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: 

00:00 Introduction 

01:07 Early Success

02:02 Roy's Journey: From College Kid to Tech Universe

04:37 The Turning Point: Harvard and Beyond

06:57 Building Cluey: The Early Days

08:27 The Viral Strategy: Mastering Algorithms

13:56 The 50 Interns Experiment

15:30 The Investment Journey: Roy and Bryan's Partnership

19:20 Momentum as a Moat: The Future of AI Companies

20:32 The Evolution of Product Strategy in the AI Era

21:19 The Importance of Speed and Adaptability

22:48 The Role of Distribution in Modern Startups

24:26 Roy's Journey and Product Development

25:25 The Power of User Data and Feedback

26:58 Innovative Marketing and Distribution Tactics

28:25 The Future of AI Integration and Translucent Overlays

32:15 Controversial Marketing and Authenticity

34:01 The Impact of Radical Transparency

36:42 The Changing Landscape of Professionalism

38:26 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/)

 

Stay Updated: 

Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16z)

Find a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16z)

Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z)

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/)

Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenberg)

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.