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Why did Cluely announce their $15 million fundraise on a podcast?

July 8, 2025 at 2:45 PM UTC
Parla Team
Parla Team

In the fast-evolving world of AI startups, Cluely has emerged not just as a product innovator but also as a trailblazer in how fundraising stories are told. Instead of opting for the usual press releases or splashy media coverage, Cluely made a bold choice: to announce their $15 million fundraise through in-depth podcast conversations.

This decision reflects a deeper understanding of the power of podcasts to convey nuance, especially when the founder, Roy Lee, is as controversial and compelling a figure as he is.

Why Podcasts? The Power of Nuance and Authenticity

Podcasts offer a unique platform that traditional media often lacks — time and space for nuance. Cluely’s story isn’t just about numbers or product features; it’s about a young founder’s unconventional journey, his provocative marketing style, and a startup built on viral momentum rather than conventional playbooks.

In episodes like “Building Cluely: The Viral AI Startup that raised $15M in 10 Weeks” and “Why We Invested In Cluely”, listeners get to hear Roy Lee and lead investor Bryan Kim unpack the story behind the fundraise with all its complexities.

The format allows for candid discussions about the risks, the viral marketing tactics, and the product’s evolution — elements that a short news article or press release simply can’t capture.

Making a Controversial Founder Relatable and Likeable

Roy Lee’s story is anything but typical. From being kicked out of Ivy League schools to building a startup that helps users “cheat on everything,” his path is filled with controversy and bold moves.

Podcasts provide a platform where Roy’s personality shines through — his humor, his risk-taking mindset, and his vision for AI that quietly integrates into everyday workflows.

In the Product Growth Podcast episode “This $20M AI Founder Is Challenging Elon and Sam Altman”, Roy’s candidness and authenticity come across powerfully, helping listeners understand the man behind the headlines.

This humanization builds trust and likability, which are crucial for a startup navigating a competitive and skeptical market.

The Strategic Advantage: Momentum as a Moat

Podcasts also allow Cluely to articulate their unique approach to growth — a distribution-first strategy that leverages viral short-form content and an army of creators.

As Roy and Bryan explain, momentum is the moat in today’s AI era, combining rapid product iteration with relentless viral marketing.

This story of speed, adaptability, and unconventional fundraising is best told in a conversational format where listeners can grasp the full picture, rather than in soundbites or headlines.

A New Playbook for Startup Fundraising Announcements

Cluely’s choice to announce their fundraise via podcasts signals a shift in how startups can engage with their audiences and investors.

It’s a recognition that in a world saturated with information, authenticity and depth win hearts and minds.

By embracing podcasts, Cluely not only shared their funding milestone but also invited listeners into the messy, exciting, and human side of startup life — making their story memorable, relatable, and inspiring.

For those interested in the full story, these episodes provide a rich dive into Cluely’s journey and fundraising strategy:

Cluely’s story is a masterclass in how startups can leverage new media to tell richer, more authentic stories — and in doing so, build stronger connections with their communities.