MaskDAO Acquires Web3 Social App Orb.club to Enhance Decentralized Ecosystem

MaskDAO, a prominent figure in the decentralized social networking sphere, has officially announced the acquisition of Orb.club, a popular Web3-native social application. This strategic move signifies a significant expansion of MaskDAO’s ecosystem, aiming to create a more expressive and user-owned internet, according to Mask Network.

Strategic Acquisition to Enhance Ecosystem

Orb.club, known for its innovative features such as viral sticker drops, collectible posts, and native tipping, has amassed over 50,000 monthly active users by early 2025. Its integration into MaskDAO, which oversees projects like Next.ID, Web3.bio, and Firefly.social, is expected to significantly bolster the decentralized social ecosystem. The acquisition aligns with MaskDAO’s mission to provide a more connected and creative online environment.

Mask Network’s Growth and Vision

Since its inception in 2017, Mask Network has transformed from a Web2-Web3 bridging browser extension into a decentralized social powerhouse, often referred to as the “Tencent of Web3.” The organization has expanded its influence through shared infrastructure development, onchain application investments, and user autonomy promotion via its venture arm, Bonfire Union. Early 2025 saw the establishment of MaskDAO, a decentralized governance framework, to further enhance this ecosystem.

Orb.club’s Role in the Decentralized Stack

Orb.club’s inclusion in MaskDAO is expected to provide the app with access to shared infrastructure and a broader audience. With its emphasis on individuality, ownership, and playful interaction, Orb has become a pioneer in the decentralized social space. The app supports a dynamic content economy, allowing creators and users to engage in expressive and profitable online interactions.

Future Prospects and Community Engagement

With the recent launch of Lens Chain by the Avara team, Orb’s mobile app is set to become a central platform for discovering trending onchain content. The app’s focus on community ownership through Orb Clubs offers users a unique way to form micro-networks with real ownership and incentives. This innovative approach is expected to resonate with users who value connection over follower counts and seek to earn by participating rather than trading.

Suji Yan, Founder of Mask Network and MaskDAO, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Orb brings soul back to social media. From creator monetization to onchain clubs, Orb has reinvented the joy of being online in Web3.” This acquisition marks a critical step in MaskDAO’s journey toward becoming the “Tencent of Web3,” supporting a family of decentralized applications across identity, content, and interaction.

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