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Mirror founder Brynn Putnam to unveil her gaming hardware startup at TechCrunchDisrupt 2025
Brynn Putnam, founder of Mirror, will unveil her new gaming hardware startup at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco. Following her $500 million exit from Lululemon, she aims to create devices that encourage in-person interaction, leveraging current advancements in hardware technology and AI. This venture shifts focus from individual fitness to fostering shared experiences.
Key points
- Putnam founded Mirror, which was acquired by Lululemon for $500 million after its successful launch during the pandemic.
- Her new startup aims to address the growing desire for in-person connections rather than isolating individuals behind screens.
- She emphasizes leveraging affordable, mature technology to create compelling user experiences rather than pushing technological boundaries.
- The startup has already gained investor attention, including backing from Lerer Hippeau, who supported Mirror’s early funding.
- The market is experiencing a renewed interest in consumer hardware influenced by AI and more sophisticated component ecosystems.
Why it matters
- The shift in focus from individual tech solutions, like fitness apps and devices, to experiences that promote social interaction reflects broader societal changes post-pandemic.
- Investors are increasingly finding value in consumer-facing hardware, indicating a shift in tech trends towards physical, engaging experiences instead of purely digital ones.
- Putnam's approach aligns with Nintendo's creative usage of existing technology, aiming for innovative experiences with well-known hardware.
Brynn Putnam's new venture at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 represents a significant cultural shift towards enhancing real-world connections through technology, promising to reinvigorate consumer hardware in the tech landscape.