Cluely’s Roy Lee joins TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 to show how rage-baiting cuts through the AI noise

Roy Lee, co-founder and CEO of Cluely, is set to make waves at the upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place from October 27-29 at San Francisco’s Moscone West. Known for his audacious approach, Lee plans to discuss how he developed one of the most talked-about startups in the AI landscape and how leveraging controversy can serve as a compelling growth strategy. Cluely, an innovative AI meeting assistant, provides real-time insights and transforms conversations into searchable, shareable reports. In a crowded market where numerous companies offer similar solutions, Cluely stands out thanks to Lee's unique ability to capture attention. His marketing model, which includes rage-baiting social media content, has proven effective in cutting through the digital noise that often drowns out new startups. Lee gained notoriety during his time as a Columbia University student, where he made headlines for allegedly cheating on interviews with a custom-built AI assistant. This eye-catching story led him to drop out and launch Cluely, initially branded provocatively as the “cheat on everything startup.” This tagline aimed to provoke discussion and engagement, a strategy that has since become synonymous with Cluely's brand identity. Despite criticisms of his marketing approach, Cluely has successfully garnered significant attention, often overshadowing larger competitors that struggle to achieve similar visibility. Lee believes that many businesses play it too safe and that seizing attention is essential for thriving in today’s market. Earlier this year, Cluely secured $15 million in Series A funding from Andreessen Horowitz, which has been allocated to extravagant launch videos, a plethora of content creator interns, and a substantial office space in San Francisco. As a prominent figure within the burgeoning AI sector, Lee will share his insights on virality as a marketing tactic, his perspectives on the AI boom, and how Cluely aims to sustain its growth beyond its initial social media fame at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Don’t miss this chance to register and potentially save on your pass before prices increase as the event approaches.