The Founder's Story
The story behind Clique and the end of the era of digital ghosts.
"I'm no longer hiding in that bedroom. And I'm building Clique so you don't have to either."
I moved home after college and hit a wall. No job, a thinning social circle, and the view from my childhood bedroom. While I watched everyone else's "highlight reel" in big cities, I was stuck.
But I knew I wasn't the only one feeling that silence. I knew the era of "digital ghosts" wasn't just my problem—it was a systemic one.
I started asking: How do you actually find your people in the real world? You need a reason to meet—a Plan.
But I realized I didn't want to have "dinner with randoms" or go to a forced "coffee on Tuesdays" meeting. I wanted a vibe, a shared frequency, a tribe. I wanted Cliques.
I decided to stop waiting for life to happen and build the architecture to make it happen. I didn't want another social media app; I wanted a "real-life" tool.
Clique is the result: A place where established groups and interest-based circles meet spontaneous action. Whether it's with your best friends, a group of strangers who share your drive, or a mix of both—Clique is about finding what's already out there and making sure you're at the table.
What We Believe
The most meaningful moments happen when you put the phone down. We optimize for eye contact, not engagement.
Real friendships don't scale. We're built for small groups and deep conversations, not viral moments.
Trust is built through showing up, again and again. We prioritize recurring rhythms over one-off events.
If you've felt the weight of superficial connections—if you've scrolled through hundreds of "friends" and felt alone—this is your invitation to something different.
Clique isn't for everyone. It's for those ready to stop hiding and start showing up. For those who believe that belonging isn't an accident—it's a practice.
— Saylor Benes, Founder