Digital art collective MaskDAO bolsters its Web3 presence through the acquisition of Orb.club
MaskDAO, the decentralized autonomous organisation (DAO) behind Mask Network, has made a strategic move by acquiring Orb.club, a Web3-native social platform. This acquisition marks a significant step towards MaskDAO's aspiration to become a comprehensive hub for decentralized applications.
Orb.club, known for its engaging features like viral sticker campaigns, collectible content, and in-app tipping, is expected to become a primary destination for discovering trending onchain content. With over 50,000 monthly active users by the beginning of 2025, the inclusion of Orb.club in MaskDAO's portfolio is likely to be closely monitored by industry stakeholders as it shapes the broader Web3 social media environment.
The acquisition brings Orb.club into MaskDAO's existing portfolio, which includes Next.ID, Web3.bio, and Firefly.social. This union is expected to enhance MaskDAO's existing offerings and accelerate the development of a decentralized social ecosystem.
Mask Network, the parent entity of MaskDAO, has undergone a transformation since its launch in 2017. Initially focused on creating shared digital infrastructure and investing in onchain applications, it has since positioned itself as a central figure in the next-generation internet. Its commitment to user autonomy and the decentralization of governance, as evidenced by the establishment of MaskDAO in early 2025, further solidifies its position.
The acquisition of Orb.club by MaskDAO reinforces a shared belief in the transformative potential of decentralized technologies. Suji Yan, the founder of Mask Network and MaskDAO, expressed a forward-looking view on the acquisition, indicating that it would reinvigorate the concept of online community in the Web3 space.
Orb Clubs, a feature of Orb.club, facilitates the creation of community-centric micro-networks. This focus on creator monetization and community-driven models has been highlighted as a key aspect of the acquisition. Participants in Orb Clubs can earn through engagement rather than traditional metrics like follower counts or token speculation.
The acquisition of Orb.club by MaskDAO is seen as a strategic move to redefine how users find joy and purpose in online interactions. As MaskDAO continues to grow and evolve, it is positioning itself as the "Tencent of Web3" due to its ambitious scope and growing influence. The integration of Orb.club into MaskDAO's ecosystem is likely to reshape the landscape of decentralized social media, offering a more engaging, decentralized, and community-driven experience for its users.
