Founders are building startups to get people off their phones and into real-world experiences
By
Theresa Loconsolo
Kettled twice. Extra chewy, extra trustworthy.
Summary
While AI fundraising continues to break records, a counter-trend of founders are building startups focused on getting people off their phones and into real-world, human-centered experiences. Examples include Board (a startup for in-person games and social experiences from Mirror founder Brynn Putnam) and whimsical DIY "cyberdeck" computers that encourage outdoor activity. The article suggests this isn't just backlash against AI, but a genuine pull toward more human-centric products.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledMirror founder Brynn Putnam just raised money for Board, a startup focused on bringing people together through in-person games and social experiences.
Cyberdeck creators are going viral crafting whimsical DIY computers that literally encourage users to touch grass.
Unlike the AI-free browser crowd, this doesn't just feel like backlash, but also people genuinely gravitating toward things that feel a little more human.
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