Cluely’s after-party for the Y Combinator AI Startup School blew up — and got shut down.
The San Francisco AI startup planned a low-key bash after the YC event that featured Sam Altman, Satya Nadella, and Elon Musk. Cluely’s CEO Roy Lee posted a satirical invite on X to his 100,000+ followers, asking people to DM for an invite. But Lee only sent invites to friends and friends of friends.
The word spread. When the party started Monday night, around 2,000 people showed up. The line wrapped around blocks, blocking traffic. 
The cops arrived and shut down the party before it got out of hand.
Roy Lee told TechCrunch:
“It just blew up way out of proportion.”
“Cluely’s aura is just too strong!”
“It would have been the most legendary party in tech history. And I would argue that the reputation of this story might just make it the most legendary party that never happened.”
Cluely’s notoriety comes from controversy and stunt marketing. Lee hit headlines last year after revealing Columbia University suspended him for creating AI software to cheat on software engineer interviews.
The startup sells a hidden browser window tool to help candidates cheat during job interviews. Cluely went viral for marketing that promised to help people “cheat on everything.” It raised $5.3 million in seed funding back in April but has since softened its messaging to “Everything you need. Before you ask.”
The party shutdown sparked jokes, memes, and rumors across social media. Lee says the leftover drinks are ready for the next attempt.
Roy Lee on the aftermath:
“We did some cleanup, but the drinks are all there waiting for the next party.”
