We ask questions to founder Matteo, to learn more about his vision for bitcoin’s premier social app.
Orange Pill App is now Club Orange, tell us everything about the new name!
We’ve grown from an app that simply connected Bitcoiners, into a thriving global network of local communities, events and merchants.. Club Orange reflects that evolution, it’s all about belonging. A club is a place where you feel welcome, recognized, and surrounded by people who speak your language. Together they describe who we are now and where we’re going.
Bitcoin is often discussed in terms of code, economics, and sovereignty. Club Orange focuses on human connection. Why did you choose to make friendship the core of your mission?
Because Bitcoin is ultimately a human story. A story about humans escaping the Fiat World through Bitcoin. In our experience people don’t stay for the technology or the gains alone, they stay for meaning, community, and real-world relationships. We believe the most important infrastructure Bitcoin was missing is community, and Club Orange exists to fix that.
Do you believe focusing on “maximalists” or deeply committed bitcoiners is a strength, rather than a limitation?
Absolutely. Early communities shape culture. When you gather people who truly care, builders, thinkers and doers, you create signal instead of noise. That doesn’t mean Club Orange is exclusive, it means the foundation is strong. We started with the maxis, so the newcomers have real people to learn from when they arrive.
What, in your observation, do users talk about when they connect on your platform? Is it always about Bitcoin?
Not at all. Bitcoin is the filter, but behind that are friendships about values, family, philosophy, fitness, startups, parenting, travel, food, and everything else that makes life rich. Bitcoin is how the conversation starts, but not how it ends.
How do you handle the bitcoin purist vs. tourist dynamic to keep the community strong but not exclusionary?
By grounding the culture in respect & curiosity rather than elitism. Purists bring depth and knowledge. Tourists bring fresh energy and new perspectives. We draw the line at scammers & spammers, not beginners.
Building any social platform comes with the risk of toxicity, tribalism, or scams. How do you architect a system that fosters the positive, collaborative spirit, while protecting users from bad actors?
Honestly? A paywall. Cheapest, simplest spam filter on Earth.
When joining costs something — even a little — it attracts people who actually care.
Bots don’t pay. Trolls don’t pay. Grifters don’t pay.
But Bitcoiners who genuinely want connection? They do.
And yes, every now and then we still have to swing the ban hammer.
How do you navigate the tension between the privacy ethos of Bitcoin and the trust required for a social network?
The user controls what they reveal. A user can show as much or as little as they’re comfortable with. They can sign up anonymously, with a nym, or as themselves. Privacy isn’t the absence of identity; it’s the ability to choose what and with whom to reveal it.
What are the key engagement metrics that Club Orange focuses on, and what does a “healthy” user profile look like to you?
We try to measure real life.
• New friendships
• Events RSVP
• Messages exchanged
• Zaps spent
A healthy user is one who meets people in person and participates in their local Bitcoin community.
What does success look like for the platform in a world where Bitcoin is the dominant global money?
When you can fly to any city on Earth, open Club Orange, and instantly have friends, dinner plans, a meetup to attend, and a barber who takes sats.
What’s your go-to piece of advice for someone who has just been “orange-pilled” and is feeling socially isolated because of it?
Don’t stay alone in your excitement! Find one Bitcoiner near you and go to a meetup or start your own, even if it’s just 2 people. Great things can grow from tiny sparks.
In one sentence, what is the one thing you want every user to feel the moment they open your app?
“Finally, my people!”
Do you have plans to open a “Club Orange” golf resort or launch any physical spaces or products?
If Bitcoiners build citadels, someone has to run the clubhouse.:)
Thanks guys!
