Introduction
Roy Lee biography has become one of the most searched topics in 2025. Roy Lee, also known as Chungin “Roy” Lee, is a Korean-American entrepreneur, influencer, and co-founder of the fast-growing AI startup Cluely. From having his Harvard acceptance rescinded to building one of the fastest-scaling AI companies in the world, his journey is both controversial and inspiring.
In this post, you’ll learn about Roy Lee’s early life, nationality, education, career path, net worth estimates, controversies, how he built Cluely, what Cluely does, and what to watch next.
Early Life and Nationality
Roy Lee was born in 2003 and is currently about 21–22 years old. He is of Korean descent but was born and raised in the United States, making him Korean-American.
From a young age, Roy displayed both brilliance and rebelliousness. His personality was shaped by risks, experimentation, and a constant desire to challenge traditional systems.
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Education and Harvard Controversy
- Roy Lee was accepted into Harvard University via Early Action but later had his acceptance rescinded.
- This happened after he was suspended for sneaking out during a field trip and failing to disclose the suspension on his application.
- After Harvard, he spent a year in community college in California, then enrolled at Columbia University.
- His time at Columbia also ended controversially when he was kicked out, adding to the rebellious persona that later fueled his branding.
Roy Lee’s First Startup Attempt: InterviewCoder
Before founding Cluely, Roy Lee launched InterviewCoder, an AI tool designed to help engineering students during technical interviews.
- It allowed users to get real-time AI assistance through an invisible overlay.
- The concept quickly went viral but was labeled by critics as a “cheating tool.”
- This controversy gave Roy Lee free publicity and established his strategy: use virality and shock value to gain attention.
Founding Cluely – The AI Startup
In 2024–2025, Roy Lee co-founded Cluely, an AI productivity tool designed to give users an edge in real-time situations ~ interviews, meetings, sales calls, and beyond.
- Business Model: SaaS subscription with real-time AI coaching.
- Unique Value: Works seamlessly in the background to provide undetectable assistance.
- Growth:
- $5M ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) in just 3 months.
- Doubled to $7M ARR within a week.
- Raised over $15M in funding, with investors like Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) showing interest
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Public Persona and Marketing Strategy
Roy Lee’s rise is not just about Cluely’s product ~ it’s also about how he brands himself:
- Controversy as marketing – Roy openly embraces terms like “cheating” to trigger debates and boost virality.
- Viral short-form content – He leverages TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts to reach millions.
- Authenticity + audacity – Unlike polished Silicon Valley founders, Roy leans into being raw, bold, and unapologetic.
Roy Lee’s Age, Net Worth & Career Growth
How Old Is Roy Lee?
- Born in 2003 → Age 21–22 (as of 2025).
Roy Lee Net Worth
While no official figure is public, his net worth can be estimated from Cluely’s revenue and funding rounds.
| Year | Revenue (ARR) | Estimated Personal Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Pre-launch | <$1M |
| Early 2025 | $5M ARR in 3 months | $10–15M (equity value) |
| Mid 2025 | $7M ARR + $15M raised | $20–30M+ (speculative) |
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Challenges and Criticisms
Despite success, Roy Lee has faced major criticisms:
- Ethical concerns – His tools are accused of enabling dishonesty in interviews and academia.
- Institutional backlash – Expulsions and rescinded admissions haunt his image.
- Product stability – Early Cluely users reported technical issues.
- Rival competition – Competing startups and even AI giants like OpenAI and xAI may enter his space.
Lessons from Roy Lee Biography
- Speed beats perfection – Launch fast, improve later.
- Attention is currency – Controversy and virality drive growth.
- Failure fuels narrative – Harvard rescind and Columbia expulsion became part of his brand.
- Dare to be different – While others avoid risk, Roy thrives on it.
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Roy Lee’s Influence in Tech & AI
Roy Lee is more than just a founder ~ he’s becoming a tech influencer. His bold approach resonates with Gen Z entrepreneurs who value authenticity over polished PR.
With Cluely’s trajectory, he could soon join the ranks of AI leaders reshaping work and productivity. But whether he becomes Silicon Valley’s next big name or fades under controversy depends on how he scales Cluely responsibly.
FAQs About Roy Lee Biography
1. Who is Roy Lee?
Roy Lee, also known as Chungin Lee, is a Korean-American entrepreneur, influencer, and co-founder of the AI startup Cluely.
2. How old is Roy Lee?
Roy Lee was born in 2003, making him 21–22 years old as of 2025.
3. What is Roy Lee’s nationality?
He is Korean-American, born and raised in the United States.
4. What is Roy Lee’s net worth?
Roy Lee’s exact net worth is unknown, but based on Cluely’s revenue ($7M ARR) and funding ($15M+), estimates place him at $20–30M+.
5. What company did Roy Lee found?
He co-founded Cluely, an AI-powered productivity assistant that gives users real-time help in interviews, meetings, and sales calls.
6. Why is Roy Lee controversial?
His early startup InterviewCoder was labeled as a “cheating tool,” and his Harvard acceptance was rescinded. These incidents fueled his public image as a bold, rebellious founder.
Conclusion
The Roy Lee biography proves that today’s startup ecosystem rewards speed, audacity, and narrative control. From being rejected by prestigious institutions to building a multi-million-dollar company in months, Roy Lee represents the new wave of AI entrepreneurs who thrive on virality and controversy.
Love him or hate him, Roy Lee’s journey is shaping the conversation around AI, ethics, and entrepreneurship in 2025 and beyond.
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