Clockout distinguishes itself by blending the exclusivity of private social clubs with the structure of a curated professional network. According to the app’s description, it prioritizes authentic connections over superficial interactions and aims to foster real communities through shared experiences. Once approved, members gain access to localized networks and can attend in-person events like invitation-only mixers, networking brunches, and rooftop galas - often hosted in trendy neighborhoods such as Little Italy, Bankers Hill, or La Jolla.
In practice, the app serves as both a networking tool and a social filter. Clockout users describe a minimalist interface and high-touch event design, which caters to recent grads, entrepreneurs, and so-called “consultants” who are building their professional brands.
Clockout is available on the Apple App Store but not yet on Android, which has drawn both intrigue and backlash. The limited access - compounded by a growing waitlist - has prompted some San Diegans to question the app’s commitment to inclusivity. Critics argue that the model reinforces elitism in a city known for its laid-back ethos.
Still, the app’s founders defend the model. “People need to meet a certain standard for us to ensure a quality networking experience,” one founder reportedly stated in response to the criticism. That standard, though not explicitly defined, has invited comparisons to the early days of Facebook, which was once restricted to select university students.
Despite the controversy, Clockout has grown rapidly through viral momentum. Thousands of users across the country — including a growing base in San Diego — are attending events, making professional connections, and sharing invites with peers. Whether the app represents a genuine shift in how high-performing professionals connect or just another digital vanity club remains to be seen.
For now, Clockout continues to straddle the line between innovation and exclusion, turning heads as it expands its footprint in San Diego’s evolving social and entrepreneurial scene. Whether you're hoping to network or simply curious about the city’s latest app-fueled trend, there's no denying one thing — not everyone gets in.
For more information about Clockout and to download the app, visit clockoutapp.com.
