Cluely, a startup founded by two 21-year-old former Columbia University students, has raised $5.3 million in seed funding for its AI tool that allows users to “cheat” on exams, sales calls, and job interviews. The tool, originally developed for cheating on job interviews, has now expanded to other areas. The founders, who were suspended from Columbia over the tool, argue that it is similar to inventions like calculators and spellcheck, which were once considered cheating but are now widely accepted.
Forecast for 6 months: Cluely’s user base is expected to grow rapidly, with the company potentially reaching $10 million in ARR within the next six months. As a result, we may see increased scrutiny from educational institutions and employers, who may begin to develop countermeasures to detect AI-assisted cheating.
Forecast for 1 year: Within the next year, we can expect to see more AI-powered cheating tools emerge, potentially leading to a cat-and-mouse game between developers and educators. Additionally, Cluely may expand its services to other areas, such as online courses and professional certifications.
Forecast for 5 years: In the next five years, AI-powered cheating tools may become increasingly sophisticated, potentially leading to a reevaluation of traditional assessment methods. We may also see the rise of new industries and business models centered around AI-assisted learning and education.
Forecast for 10 years: Within the next decade, AI-powered cheating tools may become ubiquitous, potentially leading to a fundamental shift in the way we approach education and assessment. We may see the emergence of new forms of AI-assisted learning, such as virtual reality-based training programs, and the development of new industries centered around AI-powered education.
