Image Source: https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/TC25_-Brynn-Putnam-Speaker-16×9-Dark.png?resize=1200,675
Mirror founder Brynn Putnam is set to unveil her latest venture at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, marking an exciting return to an event where she previously made waves by introducing her connected fitness device, Mirror. This time, however, Putnam will reveal her new gaming hardware startup, geared towards enhancing real-life social interactions in gaming, scheduled to take place in San Francisco’s Moscone Center from October 27-29, 2025.
The Journey of Brynn Putnam
Putnam made headlines in 2018 when she showcased Mirror at Disrupt, a home fitness solution that effectively rode the wave of increasing demand for at-home workouts due to the pandemic. The success of Mirror led to its acquisition by Lululemon for a staggering $500 million. Seven years later, she returns to TechCrunch, equipped with fresh ideas and cutting-edge technology.
New Startup Focused on Connections
In an era where screens dominate our social interactions, Putnam’s new venture emphasizes the importance of face-to-face connections. With her startup still under wraps, it aims to create gaming hardware that fosters shared experiences rather than promoting isolation through individual devices.
Reflecting on her approach, Putnam stated, “We’re about to enter a golden age of hardware.” Her vision merges mature technologies with affordable components, driven by the desire to reconnect individuals in a culturally shifting landscape where digital interactions often supersede personal ones.
Innovative Design Inspiration
Putnam draws inspiration from the gaming industry’s evolution and philosophy, particularly Nintendo’s strategy of leveraging established technology in innovative ways. She seeks to develop compelling user experiences using proven hardware, targeted towards creating a communal experience in gaming. This marks a significant shift from her previous focus on fitness, now highlighting shared activities and enhancing relationships among users.
A Natural Transition to Gaming
The gaming sector represents a natural progression for Putnam, who has demonstrated a keen understanding of how technology can influence behavioral changes. The successful implementation of engaging group experiences in her boutique fitness classes has paved the way for her new venture, which aims to incorporate similar engagement strategies into the gaming environment.
Her extensive knowledge from developing Mirror’s virtual fitness classes will inform her approach in crafting gaming scenarios designed to encourage interpersonal interactions. Investors are already taking note; Lerer Hippeau, who led Mirror’s seed round, has expressed enthusiasm by participating in a competitive funding round for her new company, indicating strong confidence in Putnam’s capability to navigate consumer trends.
Consumer Hardware Resurgence
Putnam’s announcement comes at a pivotal moment in the tech industry. After years dominated by enterprise software and AI infrastructure, a resurgence in consumer hardware investment is taking place. Investors are eager to explore new consumer-facing technology that blends artificial intelligence with established component ecosystems, creating a ripe environment for innovative devices.
Putnam’s reappearance at Disrupt 2025 is not just a personal milestone but also a notable event as TechCrunch celebrates its 20th anniversary. The event will feature industry leaders and provide entrepreneurs and investors a unique opportunity to glean insights regarding future innovations in the tech landscape.
Entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike are keenly anticipating the details of Putnam’s new project, as she is poised to showcase how her new startup aligns with the evolving dynamics of consumer technology. As she notes, the focus is not merely on technology for technology’s sake but on enabling better human connections through shared hardware experiences.
What to Expect at Disrupt 2025
As the tech industry turns its eyes towards Disrupt 2025, attendees can expect to see how Putnam aims to position her brand for the next wave of innovation. With a focus on gathering together rather than separating through screens, her vision for gaming hardware could reshape how consumers engage with technology in their daily lives.
Conclusion
As Brynn Putnam prepares to unveil her new startup venture at Disrupt 2025, the excitement surrounding her return marks a potential turning point in consumer technology. The implications of her focus on gaming hardware that encourages face-to-face interactions could resonate significantly within the market, heralding a promising new chapter in the evolution of tech that prioritizes human connection.
FAQ
What is Brynn Putnam’s new startup about?
Brynn Putnam’s new startup focuses on developing gaming hardware that promotes face-to-face interactions rather than isolating individuals behind screens.
When is TechCrunch Disrupt 2025?
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 will take place from October 27-29, 2025, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
What is the significance of Putnam’s return to Disrupt?
Putnam’s return is significant as it marks her second appearance at Disrupt, where she introduced her successful fitness startup, Mirror, seven years prior.
What trends are influencing the consumer tech market right now?
There is a resurgence in interest from investors in consumer hardware that leverages AI and established technologies, focusing on enhancing user experiences and social engagements.
How can attendees benefit from Disrupt 2025?
Attendees will gain insights from top voices in tech, learn about emerging trends, and potentially find investment opportunities in innovative startups like Putnam’s gaming company.
