Interview with Orly Lapin: Guinness Book Record-Holding Matchmaker

Orly Lapin is not your typical matchmaker. With a reputation for discretion, precision, and results at the very highest levels of wealth, she has built a global clientele of millionaires and billionaires who trust her with the most personal decision of their lives. A Guinness Book Record holder for matchmaking, Lapin has spent decades refining a highly curated, psychology-driven approach to love. An approach that mirrors the intensity, standards, and ambition of the ultra-elite she serves. 

She’s here to share how she built her practice, what the world’s wealthiest individuals truly want in relationships, and why love, like business, is about alignment and execution.

When did you realize your work was resonating with very high-net-worth individuals?

It happened organically, as successful people tend to know other successful people. Once I matched a few high-profile clients, the word spread. These individuals don’t want dating apps, publicity, or wasted time. They want efficiency, privacy, and someone who understands the pressure, lifestyle, and psychology that comes with extreme success. That’s where I fit in.

You hold a Guinness Book Record for matchmaking. What does that represent for you?

I got the record in 2023 and it represents consistency and results, but the record is meaningful, but not because of the title. Matchmaking isn’t about luck, it’s about systems, intuition, and deep human understanding. For me, it validated that a personalized, high-touch approach works better than algorithms or mass dating platforms, especially for people operating at the top of their fields.

How is matchmaking for millionaires and billionaires different from traditional matchmaking?

The stakes are higher, and so are the filters. Also, wealth changes relationship dynamics. Power imbalances, public visibility, family expectations, and legacy considerations all come into play. You’re not just matching personalities; you’re aligning values, lifestyles, ambitions, and long-term visions.

At the highest levels of success, love isn’t about chemistry alone. It’s about emotional readiness, shared values, and the ability to grow together. My job is to see what people often can’t yet see in themselves, and match from that truth.

How hands-on are you with your clients throughout the process?

Very hands-on. I don’t disappear after an introduction. I guide, advise, and help clients navigate challenges as they arise. For many, this is the first time they’ve had an objective, experienced professional holding up a mirror and helping them grow relationally.

Do your clients approach relationships the same way they approach business?

Initially, yes—and that’s often the problem. You can’t negotiate attraction the way you negotiate a deal. But you can apply clarity, intention, and accountability. The most successful clients are the ones willing to grow emotionally, not just strategically. When they do that, everything shifts.

How do you evaluate compatibility at such a high level?

I go far beyond surface traits. Anyone can say they want love, loyalty, or family. I look at behavioral patterns and also assess emotional intelligence. You can have billions in the bank, but if you can’t communicate or self-reflect, the relationship will fail. Chemistry matters, but sustainability matters more.

What do your clients typically struggle with the most when it comes to relationships?

Trust and availability. Many have been burned before—by people who wanted access, status, or financial security rather than genuine partnership. That creates emotional armor. They’re also incredibly busy. Building empires doesn’t leave much room for trial-and-error dating. My role is to remove friction, vet deeply, and create introductions where both people feel safe, seen, and respected.

Is there a misconception people have about wealthy individuals and love?

Absolutely. People assume money makes relationships easier. In reality, it often complicates them. Wealth amplifies everything—desires, fears, expectations. Without self-awareness, it can become a barrier instead of a benefit.

What advice would you give to someone highly successful who feels discouraged about finding love?

Stop thinking something is “wrong” with you. Success narrows your dating pool, but it also clarifies what truly matters. Be intentional. Invest in the process the way you invest in your business or health. Love isn’t accidental at this level—it’s designed.

What keeps you passionate about this work after so many years?

When I see two people build a life together that’s aligned, grounded, and fulfilling—that never gets old. At the end of the day, legacy isn’t just about wealth. It’s about who you share your life with, and what you build together.

What is your ultimate goal as a matchmaker?

To redefine how high achievers experience love. To show that you don’t have to choose between success and intimacy—you can have both.

Any final words?

You can build an empire on your own, but fulfillment comes from building a life with the right person. True success is having someone who matches your ambition, understands your world, and chooses you every day, and I am able to deliver such for my UHNW clients.