Controversial After-Party in San Francisco Shuts Down Amid Unprecedented Crowd
San Francisco, CA – On Monday evening, the San Francisco startup scene witnessed an unexpected turn of events as Cluely’s planned after-party for the Y Combinator event, AI Startup School, faced an abrupt shutdown by local law enforcement. Cluely’s founder and CEO, Roy Lee, dubbed the situation “the most legendary party that never happened,” highlighting the unusual circumstances surrounding the event.
Attempt to Create an Unforgettable After-Party
Cluely, an AI-focused startup known for its unconventional marketing strategies, intended to capitalize on the influx of attendees at the AI Startup School, which boasted notable speakers such as Sam Altman, Satya Nadella, and Elon Musk. To promote the after-party, Lee engaged followers on social media platform X with a humorous video positioned at the iconic Y Combinator sign—a popular photo spot for many founders.
Despite Cluely not being a Y Combinator startup, the invitation to the party gained traction among Lee’s extensive following of over 100,000 users. However, Lee clarified that invitations were largely limited to a close circle of friends and acquaintances. “We only invited friends and friends of friends,” he stated, although the buzz around the event rapidly escalated.
Unforeseen Turnout and Law Enforcement Intervention
As the party commenced, the turnout exceeded expectations, with estimates suggesting that approximately 2,000 individuals flocked to the venue, generating lines that stretched around the block. Describing the overwhelming attendance, Lee remarked, “It just blew up way out of proportion.” Unfortunately, the sheer number of attendees blocked surrounding traffic, prompting a police response that ultimately resulted in the event’s cancellation.
Lee humorously noted the situation’s absurdity, exclaiming, “Cluely’s aura is just too strong!” as law enforcement dismantled the gathering. His sentiments reflect a mixture of pride and disappointment regarding the event’s trajectory.
Cluely’s Innovative Beginnings
Roy Lee gained notoriety in the San Francisco ecosystem after a viral tweet revealed his suspension from Columbia University due to the development of an AI tool designed to assist candidates during software engineering job interviews. This controversial tool evolved into Cluely, a startup specializing in providing discreet in-browser windows that are invisible to interviewers and proctors. Initially characterized by provocative marketing aimed at “cheating on everything,” Cluely has since refined its messaging, focusing on the tagline, “Everything you need. Before you ask.” In April, the company successfully secured a $5.3 million seed funding round.
Cultural Impact and Future Plans
The untimely end of Cluely’s after-party quickly became fodder for jokes, memes, and speculation across social media platforms. In light-hearted fashion, Lee stated, “We did some cleanup, but the drinks are all there waiting for the next party,” suggesting future opportunities for organizing another gathering.
The circumstances marking this attempted celebration illustrate both the vibrant culture of San Francisco startups and the challenges they face in navigating public events. As discussions surrounding the incident continue, it may very well go down in lore as a legendary tale of what could have been.
