Core Insights - Cluely is redefining the boundaries of AI assistants by transitioning from a consumer-focused tool to a business-oriented solution, achieving rapid growth in a short time frame [3][5][6] Group 1: Company Overview - Cluely was founded in early 2025 in New York by two students who were expelled from Columbia University, initially serving as a lightweight desktop assistant for everyday users [4] - The tool gained popularity on social media platforms like Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, particularly for its use in job interviews, where it provided real-time suggestions and summaries [4][6] - The company has raised a total of $20 million in funding, with significant backing from top venture capital firms such as a16z and Susa Ventures [6][42] Group 2: Product Features and Functionality - Cluely operates as an embedded AI desktop assistant that quietly observes user activities and provides assistance with minimal disruption [8] - Key use cases include online meetings, sales calls, and on-screen interactions, where it captures content and generates personalized summaries and suggestions in real-time [8][14] - The product offers three versions: Free, Pro, and Enterprise, catering to different user needs and organizational sizes [15][17] Group 3: Market Performance and Growth - After launching its enterprise version in Q2 2025, Cluely's annual recurring revenue (ARR) surged from $3 million to $7 million within a week, indicating strong market demand [5][6][43] - The company has established a business model that emphasizes growth through product integration and user engagement, achieving profitability within 10 weeks of launch [43][44] Group 4: Competitive Landscape and Challenges - Cluely faces increasing competition from open-source alternatives like Glass, which offer free core functionalities, posing a threat to its market position [7][44] - To maintain its competitive edge, Cluely must focus on enhancing product stability, depth of enterprise features, and service capabilities [7][44] Group 5: Founders and Team Background - The founders, Roy Lee and Neel Shanmugam, have a background in AI and product development, having previously worked on projects that garnered significant attention [18][19] - Their experience in creating user-centric AI solutions has been pivotal in Cluely's rapid growth and market acceptance [18][19]