Mirror founder Brynn Putnam to unveil her gaming hardware startup at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Brynn Putnam, the visionary behind the success of Mirror, is making a triumphant return to the TechCrunch Disrupt stage, seven years after her groundbreaking debut. This October, at San Francisco’s Moscone West, Putnam will introduce her latest startup, which aims to reshape the gaming landscape. Having successfully transformed a fitness concept into a $500 million acquisition by Lululemon, Putnam’s journey illustrates her exceptional timing and insight. The launch of Mirror coincided with the pandemic, which sparked an explosive demand for home fitness solutions. Just two years after its debut, Lululemon recognized the potential of Mirror, culminating in a significant acquisition. Now, Putnam is pivoting towards another emerging trend: the desire for in-person connections in a world increasingly dominated by screens. Her new venture, still under wraps, is focused on developing gaming hardware that encourages face-to-face interaction rather than isolating players behind individual devices. In an interview with TechCrunch, Putnam expressed her belief that we are on the brink of a hardware renaissance. She highlighted the convergence of advanced display technologies, cost-effective components, and AI capabilities as key drivers for creating innovative interactive devices. This shift in focus marks a significant change in Putnam's priorities. While Mirror emphasized personal performance, her current project is dedicated to enhancing shared experiences and forging stronger relationships among users. She envisions technology as a facilitator of human connection rather than the core experience itself. Inspired by Nintendo’s philosophy of leveraging existing technologies with innovative thinking, Putnam aims to create engaging user experiences using proven hardware. Instead of pushing the limits of technology, she is concentrating on delivering compelling interactions that bring people together. With her track record of understanding how technology can influence behavior, the gaming sector seems a logical next step for Putnam. Her experience in creating engaging group environments in boutique fitness studios has prepared her to apply those lessons to gaming scenarios that prioritize personal interaction. Investor confidence is evident as Lerer Hippeau, the venture firm that supported Mirror’s initial funding, has already backed Putnam’s new company in a competitive funding round. This endorsement reflects a broader trend of renewed interest in consumer hardware, as investors shift focus from enterprise software and AI infrastructure to consumer-centric devices that harness AI and established component ecosystems. As TechCrunch celebrates its 20th anniversary at Disrupt 2025, Putnam's presence promises to be a highlight, offering insights into the future of innovation. Entrepreneurs and investors eager to understand the latest consumer tech trends should not miss the opportunity to witness what this accomplished founder has in store. Register now for Disrupt 2025, taking place from October 27-29 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.