Investors are showing strong interest in Swedish vibe-coding startup Lovable, with unsolicited offers valuing the company at over $4 billion, Read more
Meta-owned Instagram is once again taking inspiration from TikTok by introducing a new feature. This time, users can now play Read more
The U.S. Treasury has uncovered a sophisticated fraud network used by North Korea to target American companies with hackers disguised Read more
Since 2020, iPhone users have been dealing with problems integrating Google Assistant with Waze on iOS. The company has been Read more
Seven years after the introduction of Mirror at TechCrunch Disrupt 2018, Brynn Putnam is making a return to the stage where it all began. Known for transforming a fitness concept into a $500 million acquisition by Lululemon, the serial entrepreneur will be presenting her latest venture at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco’s Moscone West in October.
The Evolution of Mirror
Putnam’s journey from the breakthrough moment at Disrupt to the present day is a testament to strategic timing. The launch of Mirror, a connected fitness device that brought boutique workout classes into homes, coincided with the pandemic-induced surge in demand for home fitness solutions. This well-timed introduction led to Lululemon acquiring the company for $500 million just two years after its Disrupt debut.
Now, Putnam is shifting her focus towards another societal change – the increasing desire to engage in face-to-face interactions and strengthen personal relationships. Her new company, currently in stealth mode, is developing consumer gaming hardware aimed at promoting in-person connections rather than individual screen isolation.
The Era of Hardware Innovation
In a recent conversation with TechCrunch, Putnam emphasized the upcoming era of hardware innovation, highlighting the convergence of advanced display technologies, cost-effective components, and AI capabilities that enable the development of interactive devices.
This new venture marks a departure from Putnam’s previous endeavors. While Mirror centered around individual performance and self-improvement, her latest project prioritizes shared experiences and enhancing human connections through technology as an enabler.
Embracing Gaming and Human Interaction
Drawing inspiration from Nintendo’s strategic approach of combining mature technology with creative experiences, Putnam aims to replicate the success of Mirror by focusing on delivering compelling user experiences through established hardware components. The gaming sector represents a natural progression for Putnam, leveraging her expertise in utilizing technology to drive behavior change.
Lerer Hippeau, the venture firm that led Mirror’s initial seed round, has already shown confidence in Putnam’s ability to identify and capitalize on consumer trends by actively participating in funding for her new venture. This aligns with the resurgence of interest in consumer hardware investments that leverage AI and existing component ecosystems to introduce innovative devices.
Putnam’s presence at Disrupt 2025 coincides with TechCrunch celebrating its 20th anniversary, promising a gathering of industry leaders to discuss the future of innovation. For entrepreneurs and investors interested in consumer tech trends, Putnam’s return to the Disrupt stage offers insight into how successful founders are positioning themselves for the next wave of innovation.
The tech event of the year will take place from October 27-29 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. To witness Brynn Putnam’s latest unveiling, secure a spot at Disrupt 2025 now.
