San Francisco just experienced another viral startup moment — and it began with a party that never even occurred.
The startup? Cluely, a hip young AI startup famous for taking risks (and perhaps blurring a few lines). Founder Roy Lee attempted to host a party following Y Combinator’s giant AI Startup School event this week.
One issue: things got slightly too popular — and then the police arrived.
A Party That Wasn’t Supposed to Be a Big Deal
Roy Lee posted a humorous, somewhat silly video on X (Twitter) to advertise a post-YC after-party. The video had him camping outside the Y Combinator sign — a spot that YC founders adore for selfies. But here’s the twist: Cluely isn’t even located at Y Combinator.
Nevertheless, the post went viral.
Lee insists he never intended it to turn into a big deal. “We only invited friends and friends of friends,” he said in an interview with TechCrunch.
But people on the web presumed that it was the hot ticket. When the party was set to begin, a queue encircled the block. Lee estimates that up to 2,000 people attended.
Then the Cops Came
With that many individuals taking over sidewalks and traffic, police had no option but to close it down.
“It just blew way out of proportion,” Lee said.
He even cracked a joke, yelling to the crowd: “Cluely’s aura is just too strong!”
No music. No beverages. No party. Just hundreds (perhaps thousands) of aspiring party people hanging around asking themselves what just happened.
And for some reason… that made it legendary.
Cluely’s Rise: From Viral Suspension to VC Millions
If the name rings a bell, it’s because Cluely’s been making headlines from day one.
Lee became internet famous last year when he said he was suspended from Columbia University for creating an AI tool to assist people with cheating on job interviews. That tool evolved into Cluely — an AI company providing a stealth browser that assists users in clearing interviews and tests without anyone being any the wiser.
Cluely’s initial marketing was in-your-face. One ad even stated the startup could assist users in “cheating on everything.” Even if (or perhaps because) it was inflammatory, it worked.
In April, Cluely raised $5.3 million in seed funding. Its new slogan is less tacky: “Everything you need. Before you ask.”
Twitter erupted in jokes and memes
After the police arrived, social media took over.
Memes emerged. Wild speculations circulated. Some believed high-profile tech startup founders were secretly attending. Others made jokes that the horde consisted of rejected YC applicants seeking revenge.
Lee clarified the situation: it was a party that was out of control. “We cleaned up a little bit,” he said. “But the booze is all sitting there waiting for the next party.”
TL;DR — What Just Happened
Cluely, a provocative AI startup, organized a tiny private bash at Y Combinator’s AI event.
The party invite went viral, attracting about 2,000 individuals.
Police closed it down ahead of time because of the crowd and traffic problems.
Although there was no music and no dancing, the entire incident turned into an overnight tech legend on the web.
Cluely is used to being in the news for scandal — and now it’s even more notorious.
Final Thoughts
Occasionally, an unsigned party speaks volumes about technology culture more than one that is signed. Cluely’s “almost party” was the subject of the day, turning a single tweet into a moment that will be recalled by hundreds of people (and now the web).