In a venture capital landscape increasingly dominated by massive AI funding rounds, a quieter but notable counter-trend is emerging: startups built specifically to bring people together in the physical world. Dubbed “together tech” by some observers, this category includes everything from in-person social gaming platforms to whimsical DIY computer kits designed to get users away from their screens.
The rise of human-centered startups
The most recent signal came from Mirror founder Brynn Putnam, who raised capital for a new venture called Board. The startup focuses on creating in-person games and social experiences, a direct bet that people are willing to pay for shared physical interaction in an increasingly digital world. Meanwhile, a growing community of “cyberdeck” creators has gone viral on social media, building portable, often eccentric DIY computers that encourage users to step outside and, as the saying goes, “touch grass.”
These developments suggest something more than a simple backlash against technology. Founders and consumers alike appear to be genuinely gravitating toward products and services that feel more human, tactile, and communal. Unlike the “AI-free browser” movement, which is largely a rejection of AI tools, together tech is a positive bet on the value of in-person connection.
What this means for the startup ecosystem
This trend was the focus of a recent episode of Bitcoin World’s Equity podcast, where senior reporters Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and Sean O’Kane discussed the week’s headlines. The conversation also touched on Anthropic’s confidential IPO filing, Alphabet’s massive $80 billion AI investment, and whether the bulk of venture capital is still flowing back to the largest tech incumbents.
Other notable stories from the episode included ex-Meta CTO Mike Schroepfer raising $250 million for climate tech at a time when few others are, and rocket engine startup Impulse securing $500 million with an explicit commitment to spend the funds on people, not AI. The episode also explored what Anthropic’s S-1 filing reveals about the financials of leading AI labs, and how two YouTube directors cracking the box office signals shifting power in the creator economy.
Why together tech matters now
The emergence of together tech is not just a niche curiosity. It represents a meaningful area of differentiation for founders who believe that the next wave of consumer value will come from facilitating real-world interaction, not further digital immersion. For investors, these bets carry a different risk profile than AI startups, but they also tap into a growing consumer desire for authenticity and community. If the trend gains traction, it could reshape how venture capital thinks about the balance between digital and physical experiences.
Conclusion
The together tech wave is still in its early stages, but it is already producing notable companies and cultural moments. As AI continues to dominate headlines and funding, the startups betting on in-person connection offer a compelling alternative vision for the future of technology. Whether they succeed will depend on whether consumers are truly ready to pay for presence over convenience.
FAQs
What is “together tech”?
Together tech refers to startups and products designed to facilitate in-person social interaction, such as board game experiences, social gaming platforms, and DIY computer kits that encourage outdoor use.
Why are investors interested in this trend?
While AI remains the dominant investment theme, some venture capitalists see together tech as a differentiated bet on consumer demand for authentic, offline experiences. It also offers a hedge against the risks of over-reliance on AI.
Where can I listen to the full Equity podcast episode?
The episode is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. You can follow Equity on X and Threads at @EquityPod.
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