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

After seven years since she first introduced her game-changing product, Mirror, at TechCrunch Disrupt 2018, Brynn Putnam is back on stage to unveil her latest project. The visionary entrepreneur, who transformed a fitness idea into a $500 million acquisition by Lululemon, is set to present this new venture at the upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place at Moscone West in San Francisco this October.

Putnam’s remarkable journey from that first Disrupt moment to her current endeavors is a testament to her exceptional timing and insight. The launch of Mirror coincided with an explosive demand for home fitness solutions during the pandemic, and the success was undeniable as Lululemon acquired the company just two years after its debut.

Now, Putnam is pivoting toward another cultural shift — the increasing desire for genuine human connections, as more people wish to step away from screens and engage with friends and family in person. Her new startup, which remains under wraps, aims to create innovative gaming hardware that encourages face-to-face interactions rather than isolating users behind various devices.

“We are on the brink of a golden era for hardware,” Putnam told TechCrunch at a recent investor-focused StrictlyVC event, highlighting the convergence of advanced display technologies, accessible components, and emerging AI capabilities, all of which are paving the way for a new generation of interactive devices.

This new initiative marks a significant shift in Putnam’s focus. While Mirror centered on self-improvement and personal fitness, her current endeavor prioritizes communal experiences and fortifying relationships. She aims to leverage technology not as the core of the experience but as a facilitator for enhancing human connections.

Inspired by Nintendo’s philosophy of utilizing “mature technology with innovative thinking” — combining established, low-cost components with fresh interactive experiences — Putnam is adopting a strategy similar to that of Mirror’s success. She’s opting not to push the technical envelope but instead concentrate on creating engaging user experiences using reliable hardware.

Stepping into the gaming sector seems like a natural evolution for Putnam, who has honed her expertise in understanding technology’s role in motivating behavioral changes. Her background in boutique fitness studios equipped her with insights into building captivating group experiences, a skill she successfully applied both in Mirror’s virtual exercises and now in gaming formats that promote in-person interaction.

Investors remain confident in her vision, as Lerer Hippeau, the venture firm that led the $3 million seed funding round for Mirror, has participated in a competitive funding campaign for Putnam’s new venture. This signals an optimistic outlook for her ability to tap into evolving consumer trends.

Additionally, this moment aligns with a significant resurgence in consumer hardware investment. In recent years, the focus shifted primarily toward enterprise software and AI infrastructure, but there is now a renewed interest in consumer-focused hardware that can leverage AI along with established component technologies to create new device categories.

Putnam’s return to Disrupt 2025 coincides with TechCrunch celebrating its 20th anniversary. Attendees can expect to see major tech leaders share invaluable insights regarding the future of innovation.

For entrepreneurs and investors keenly observing trends in consumer tech, Putnam’s appearance on the Disrupt Stage will be an opportunity to witness how one of the most successful recent founders is gearing up for the future of innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity! Register now for Disrupt 2025 to be among the first to discover what Brynn Putnam has in store, and take advantage of savings of up to $668 if you register by September 26, 11:59 p.m. PT.

The tech hub of the year is set for October 27-29 at Moscone Center in San Francisco.

For those interested in acquiring an Investor Pass that includes access to the StrictlyVC event during Disrupt, along with exclusive benefits, click here to learn more and secure your pass.