Brynn Putnam Returns to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 with New Consumer Gaming Venture, Set to Unveil Innovative Hardware Focused on Human Connections
Entrepreneur Brynn Putnam, who sold her fitness technology startup Mirror to Lululemon for $500 million in 2020, is set to reveal her latest venture at Disrupt 2025, taking place in October at San Francisco’s Moscone West.
Putnam’s journey from the breakthrough moment at TechCrunch Disrupt 2018 to today is marked by impeccable timing. Mirror, a connected fitness device that brought boutique workout classes into homes, gained traction as the pandemic fueled an unprecedented demand for home fitness solutions.
Now, Putnam is betting on another cultural shift – the growing preference for in-person interactions over screen time. Her new company, which operates in stealth mode, develops consumer gaming hardware designed to foster face-to-face connections rather than isolate individuals behind screens.
At a recent investor-focused event, Putnam shared her optimism about the upcoming hardware revolution, citing the advancement of display technologies, affordable components, and AI capabilities that make novel interactive devices possible.
This new venture represents a shift in focus for Putnam, who previously centered Mirror around individual performance and self-improvement. Her latest project prioritizes shared experiences and strengthening relationships, using technology as an aid rather than the main attraction for better human connections.
Inspired by Nintendo’s philosophy of creating innovative experiences with mature, affordable components, Putnam is following a strategy that made Mirror successful. Instead of pushing technological boundaries, she is concentrating on crafting engaging user experiences with proven hardware.
The gaming industry presents an attractive avenue for Putnam, whose expertise lies in understanding how technology can influence behavior change. Her experience in managing boutique fitness studios has equipped her with skills to create captivating group experiences, a skillset she utilizes in designing virtual classes and now in gaming scenarios that encourage face-to-face interaction.
The venture firm Lerer Hippeau, which led Mirror’s $3 million seed round, has already invested significantly in Putnam’s new company, demonstrating strong investor confidence in her ability to identify and capitalize on consumer trends.
The timing also coincides with a resurgence in consumer hardware investing. After years of emphasis on enterprise software and AI infrastructure, investors are showing renewed interest in consumer-facing hardware that can leverage AI and mature component ecosystems to create new categories of devices.
Putnam’s appearance at Disrupt 2025 will offer a unique opportunity for attendees to witness how one of the category’s most successful recent founders is preparing for the next wave of innovation. Register now for Disrupt 2025 to catch Putnam’s unveiling, and save up to $668 by September 26, 11:59 p.m. PT.
The event will take place from October 27-29 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. For an Investor Pass that includes access to exclusive events, click here to learn more and secure your pass.
