Brynn Putnam to Reveal New Gaming Hardware Startup at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Brynn Putnam Returns to TechCrunch Disrupt with New Gaming Hardware Startup

Seven years after her breakthrough with Mirror at TechCrunch Disrupt 2018, Brynn Putnam is set to unveil her latest venture at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27-29 at San Francisco’s Moscone West. Known for transforming Mirror into a $500 million acquisition by Lululemon, Putnam now shifts focus from fitness to gaming hardware designed to foster face-to-face social interaction. Mirror revolutionized home fitness by delivering boutique workout classes directly to consumers, a model that found exceptional demand during the pandemic. Putnam’s new startup, operating under stealth, targets a different cultural trend: the desire to disconnect from screens and reconnect in person with family and friends. Where Mirror emphasized individual performance and self-improvement, this new venture centers on shared experiences, using technology as a facilitator rather than the main focus. The goal is to create gaming hardware that encourages direct human connection rather than isolation behind screens.

Technology and Design Philosophy: Mature Tech, Innovative Experiences

Putnam draws inspiration from Nintendo’s philosophy of combining “withered technology with lateral thinking” — leveraging mature, affordable components to deliver innovative user experiences. Rather than chasing cutting-edge tech, her approach focuses on compelling, accessible hardware that enhances social interaction. She highlights a convergence of mature display technologies, cost-effective components, and AI capabilities as key enablers for this new generation of interactive devices, heralding what she calls a “golden age of hardware.”

Strong Investor Backing and Market Timing

Lerer Hippeau, the venture firm that led Mirror’s $3 million seed round, has already participated in the highly competitive funding round for Putnam’s new startup. This early backing underscores investor confidence in her ability to anticipate and capitalize on consumer behavior shifts. The timing of this launch aligns with renewed interest in consumer hardware investments. After years focused on enterprise software and AI infrastructure, venture capital is increasingly flowing into consumer-facing devices that integrate AI with mature component ecosystems to create novel product categories.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: A Platform for Innovation

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 marks the event’s 20th anniversary, convening top tech leaders and innovators in San Francisco. Putnam’s return to the Disrupt stage offers entrepreneurs and investors a valuable opportunity to witness the unveiling of a potentially transformative gaming hardware product. The event runs October 27-29 at Moscone Center, with early registration discounts available through September 26. Attendees can also access exclusive investor-focused sessions, including StrictlyVC events.

FinOracleAI — Market View

Brynn Putnam’s new gaming hardware startup emerges at a critical juncture in consumer technology. Her proven track record with Mirror demonstrates an ability to capture and drive consumer trends effectively. By focusing on hardware that promotes face-to-face interaction, she taps into growing consumer demand for social reconnection in a digitally saturated world.

Opportunities: Capitalizing on the social gaming niche with hardware that encourages direct interaction.
Leveraging mature technology: Utilizing affordable, proven components reduces risk and development time.
Strong investor backing: Early funding from reputable firms like Lerer Hippeau signals market confidence.
Renewed hardware investment: Aligns with a broader resurgence in consumer hardware and AI integration.
Brand credibility: Putnam’s successful exit with Mirror provides strategic advantage and market trust.

Risks: The consumer gaming hardware market is competitive and dominated by established players; success depends on differentiation and execution quality.

Impact: Putnam’s new venture is poised to positively influence the consumer hardware sector by introducing socially-driven gaming experiences that leverage mature technology and AI, potentially reshaping how people connect through interactive devices.

Contents