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Mirror founder Brynn Putnam to unveil her new startup at Disrupt 2025 | TechCrunch

Mirror founder Brynn Putnam to unveil her new startup at Disrupt 2025 | TechCrunch

Seven years after unveiling Mirror at TechCrunch Disrupt 2018, Brynn Putnam is returning to the stage where it all began. The serial entrepreneur who turned a fitness concept into a $500 million acquisition by Lululemon will debut her latest venture at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 at San Francisco’s Moscone West in October.

Putnam’s path from that breakthrough Disrupt moment to today is a story of very smart timing. Mirror, the connected fitness device that brought boutique workout classes into homes, launched just as the pandemic created unprecedented demand for home fitness solutions. The timing proved so prescient that Lululemon acquired the company for $500 million just two years after its Disrupt debut.

Now Putnam is betting on another cultural shift — the growing desire to disconnect from screens and reconnect with family and friends in person. Her new company, still operating in stealth mode, is developing consumer gaming hardware designed to bring people face-to-face rather than isolate them behind individual devices.

“We’re about to enter a golden age of hardware,” Putnam recently told TechCrunch at one of its investor-focused StrictlyVC evenings, pointing to the convergence of mature display technologies, affordable components, and AI capabilities that make new types of interactive devices possible.

Mirror founder Brynn Putnam to unveil her new startup at Disrupt 2025 | TechCrunch
Image Credits:TechCrunch

The new venture represents a shift in priorities for Putnam. Where Mirror was about individual performance and self-improvement, her latest project focuses on shared experiences and strengthening relationships. She describes it as using technology not as the primary experience but as an enabler for better human connections.

Drawing inspiration from Nintendo’s philosophy of using “withered technology with lateral thinking” — mature, affordable components combined with innovative experiences — Putnam is following the playbook that made Mirror successful. Rather than pushing technological boundaries, though, she’s focusing on creating compelling user experiences with proven hardware.

The gaming space represents a natural next step for Putnam, who built her reputation on understanding how tech can motivate behavior change. Her boutique fitness studios taught her how to create engaging group experiences, lessons she applied to Mirror’s virtual classes and now to gaming scenarios that encourage face-to-face interaction.

Techcrunch event

San Francisco
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October 27-29, 2025

Lerer Hippeau, the venture firm that led Mirror’s $3 million seed round, has already participated in a highly competitive funding round for Putnam’s new company, signaling strong investor confidence in her ability to identify and capitalize on consumer trends.

The timing also aligns with a broader resurgence in consumer hardware investing. After years of focus on enterprise software and AI infrastructure, investors are showing renewed interest in consumer-facing hardware that can leverage AI and mature component ecosystems to create new categories of devices.

Putnam’s appearance at Disrupt 2025 comes as TechCrunch celebrates its 20th anniversary, and attendees can be assured we’re bringing together the biggest names in tech to share insights on the future of innovation.

Meanwhile, for entrepreneurs and investors watching consumer tech trends, Putnam’s return to the Disrupt Stage will provide a chance to see how one of the category’s most successful recent founders is positioning for the next wave of innovation. Don’t miss it. Register now for Disrupt 2025 to see what Brynn Putnam unveils next, and save up to $668 by September 26, 11:59 p.m. PT.

The tech epicenter of the year runs October 27-29 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.

For an Investor Pass that includes access to the StrictlyVC event at Disrupt — plus exclusive perks — click here to learn more and secure yours.

Disrupt 2024 Main Stage
Image Credits:Kimberly White / Getty Images

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#Mirror #founder #Brynn #Putnam #unveil #startup #Disrupt #TechCrunch

Have you ever had the desire to see Sam Altman and Palmer Luckey square off over a moderately suspenseful card game? If so, you are in luck.

Silicon Valley’s leaders are rushing to embrace the power of media for the purposes of marketing and political capital. Now, in a sign of the times, Founders Fund, the venture capital firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, has launched its own game show.

MAFIA the GAME, will apparently be an ongoing thing, where prominent tech luminaries get together and face off over a game of cards (the show is named after the party-game favorite).

The spectacle is moderated by Pirate Wires editor Mike Solana (who is also the chief marketing officer at Founders Fund). The debut episode includes a who’s who of players, Altman, Luckey, Bryan Johnson, the famed biohacker who will (according to him) live forever, and Moxie Marlinspike, the founder of encrypted chat app Signal.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDCwQe7P8T0[/embed]

“I’m so f*cking bored with VC content,” Solana told Newcomer, which originally reported the show’s existence. “There has to be a more interesting way to get to know someone, and I think that this is a way more interesting way to get to know someone.”

TechCrunch reached out to Founders Fund for more information on the program.

In many ways, having a reality-TV-esque platform is just good business these days. The internet has turned the world into a population of chronic media consumers, and the average American spends around 2.5 hours on social media per day. Much of that time is spent scrolling through an endless flood of advertising-laced memes and videos.

In the modern era, the road to power and influence is paved by infotainment.

Companies and executives have sought to take advantage of this new reality in different ways. OpenAI recently raised some eyebrows when it procured TBPN, the buzzy founder-led podcast. Meanwhile, a number of tech’s most prominent players have leveraged virality to their advantage. Johnson, for instance, has managed to grow his following through a very active (and quite bizarre) social media presence. Elon Musk, meanwhile, has also managed to leverage his public persona to go viral (although arguments could be made that his online presence has sometimes hurt rather than helped his businesses).

This trend has also spread to the startup space, where people like Cluely CEO Chungin “Roy” Lee have demonstrated the power of being a one-man viral hype machine.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

#Founders #Fund #launches #game #show #starring #Sam #Altman #Palmer #Luckey #tech #elites #TechCrunchbryan johnson,Founders Fund,media,Palmer Luckey,sam altman">Founders Fund launches game show starring Sam Altman, Palmer Luckey, and other tech elites | TechCrunch
Have you ever had the desire to see Sam Altman and Palmer Luckey square off over a moderately suspenseful card game? If so, you are in luck. 

Silicon Valley’s leaders are rushing to embrace the power of media for the purposes of marketing and political capital. Now, in a sign of the times, Founders Fund, the venture capital firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, has launched its own game show.







MAFIA the GAME, will apparently be an ongoing thing, where prominent tech luminaries get together and face off over a game of cards (the show is named after the party-game favorite).

The spectacle is moderated by Pirate Wires editor Mike Solana (who is also the chief marketing officer at Founders Fund). The debut episode includes a who’s who of players, Altman, Luckey, Bryan Johnson, the famed biohacker who will (according to him) live forever, and Moxie Marlinspike, the founder of encrypted chat app Signal.


[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDCwQe7P8T0[/embed]


“I’m so f*cking bored with VC content,” Solana told Newcomer, which originally reported the show’s existence. “There has to be a more interesting way to get to know someone, and I think that this is a way more interesting way to get to know someone.”

TechCrunch reached out to Founders Fund for more information on the program. 

In many ways, having a reality-TV-esque platform is just good business these days. The internet has turned the world into a population of chronic media consumers, and the average American spends around 2.5 hours on social media per day. Much of that time is spent scrolling through an endless flood of advertising-laced memes and videos. 


In the modern era, the road to power and influence is paved by infotainment.

Companies and executives have sought to take advantage of this new reality in different ways. OpenAI recently raised some eyebrows when it procured TBPN, the buzzy founder-led podcast. Meanwhile, a number of tech’s most prominent players have leveraged virality to their advantage. Johnson, for instance, has managed to grow his following through a very active (and quite bizarre) social media presence. Elon Musk, meanwhile, has also managed to leverage his public persona to go viral (although arguments could be made that his online presence has sometimes hurt rather than helped his businesses).

This trend has also spread to the startup space, where people like Cluely CEO Chungin “Roy” Lee have demonstrated the power of being a one-man viral hype machine. 








When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.#Founders #Fund #launches #game #show #starring #Sam #Altman #Palmer #Luckey #tech #elites #TechCrunchbryan johnson,Founders Fund,media,Palmer Luckey,sam altman

power of media for the purposes of marketing and political capital. Now, in a sign of the times, Founders Fund, the venture capital firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, has launched its own game show.

MAFIA the GAME, will apparently be an ongoing thing, where prominent tech luminaries get together and face off over a game of cards (the show is named after the party-game favorite).

The spectacle is moderated by Pirate Wires editor Mike Solana (who is also the chief marketing officer at Founders Fund). The debut episode includes a who’s who of players, Altman, Luckey, Bryan Johnson, the famed biohacker who will (according to him) live forever, and Moxie Marlinspike, the founder of encrypted chat app Signal.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDCwQe7P8T0[/embed]

“I’m so f*cking bored with VC content,” Solana told Newcomer, which originally reported the show’s existence. “There has to be a more interesting way to get to know someone, and I think that this is a way more interesting way to get to know someone.”

TechCrunch reached out to Founders Fund for more information on the program.

In many ways, having a reality-TV-esque platform is just good business these days. The internet has turned the world into a population of chronic media consumers, and the average American spends around 2.5 hours on social media per day. Much of that time is spent scrolling through an endless flood of advertising-laced memes and videos.

In the modern era, the road to power and influence is paved by infotainment.

Companies and executives have sought to take advantage of this new reality in different ways. OpenAI recently raised some eyebrows when it procured TBPN, the buzzy founder-led podcast. Meanwhile, a number of tech’s most prominent players have leveraged virality to their advantage. Johnson, for instance, has managed to grow his following through a very active (and quite bizarre) social media presence. Elon Musk, meanwhile, has also managed to leverage his public persona to go viral (although arguments could be made that his online presence has sometimes hurt rather than helped his businesses).

This trend has also spread to the startup space, where people like Cluely CEO Chungin “Roy” Lee have demonstrated the power of being a one-man viral hype machine.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

#Founders #Fund #launches #game #show #starring #Sam #Altman #Palmer #Luckey #tech #elites #TechCrunchbryan johnson,Founders Fund,media,Palmer Luckey,sam altman">Founders Fund launches game show starring Sam Altman, Palmer Luckey, and other tech elites | TechCrunch

Have you ever had the desire to see Sam Altman and Palmer Luckey square off over a moderately suspenseful card game? If so, you are in luck.

Silicon Valley’s leaders are rushing to embrace the power of media for the purposes of marketing and political capital. Now, in a sign of the times, Founders Fund, the venture capital firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, has launched its own game show.

MAFIA the GAME, will apparently be an ongoing thing, where prominent tech luminaries get together and face off over a game of cards (the show is named after the party-game favorite).

The spectacle is moderated by Pirate Wires editor Mike Solana (who is also the chief marketing officer at Founders Fund). The debut episode includes a who’s who of players, Altman, Luckey, Bryan Johnson, the famed biohacker who will (according to him) live forever, and Moxie Marlinspike, the founder of encrypted chat app Signal.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDCwQe7P8T0[/embed]

“I’m so f*cking bored with VC content,” Solana told Newcomer, which originally reported the show’s existence. “There has to be a more interesting way to get to know someone, and I think that this is a way more interesting way to get to know someone.”

TechCrunch reached out to Founders Fund for more information on the program.

In many ways, having a reality-TV-esque platform is just good business these days. The internet has turned the world into a population of chronic media consumers, and the average American spends around 2.5 hours on social media per day. Much of that time is spent scrolling through an endless flood of advertising-laced memes and videos.

In the modern era, the road to power and influence is paved by infotainment.

Companies and executives have sought to take advantage of this new reality in different ways. OpenAI recently raised some eyebrows when it procured TBPN, the buzzy founder-led podcast. Meanwhile, a number of tech’s most prominent players have leveraged virality to their advantage. Johnson, for instance, has managed to grow his following through a very active (and quite bizarre) social media presence. Elon Musk, meanwhile, has also managed to leverage his public persona to go viral (although arguments could be made that his online presence has sometimes hurt rather than helped his businesses).

This trend has also spread to the startup space, where people like Cluely CEO Chungin “Roy” Lee have demonstrated the power of being a one-man viral hype machine.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

#Founders #Fund #launches #game #show #starring #Sam #Altman #Palmer #Luckey #tech #elites #TechCrunchbryan johnson,Founders Fund,media,Palmer Luckey,sam altman
announced a new line of Windows PCs equipped with NVIDIA RTX Spark, designed to enhance AI computing experiences. They’re targeting creators, gamers, and developers who need to run intense apps and use new AI workflows. HP wants these PCs to be super capable, ultra-responsive, and ready for what’s ahead.

The new lineup includes the OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14. Both come with NVIDIA RTX Spark tech, which blends AI and superior graphics while boosting battery efficiency. So, HP is all about amazing performance without sacrificing battery life or mobility. The company claims these laptops will rank among the world’s thinnest models without compromising battery life.

Built For Creators, Gamers, And AI Developers

HP Introduces Next-Generation AI PCs With NVIDIA RTX Spark
	
HP has announced a new line of Windows PCs equipped with NVIDIA RTX Spark, designed to enhance AI computing experiences. They’re targeting creators, gamers, and developers who need to run intense apps and use new AI workflows. HP wants these PCs to be super capable, ultra-responsive, and ready for what’s ahead.



The new lineup includes the OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14. Both come with NVIDIA RTX Spark tech, which blends AI and superior graphics while boosting battery efficiency. So, HP is all about amazing performance without sacrificing battery life or mobility. The company claims these laptops will rank among the world’s thinnest models without compromising battery life.



Built For Creators, Gamers, And AI Developers







The platform gives us the computing power for video production, digital design, and content creation. Plus, gamers get better graphics and a more responsive experience. AI developers can make and test AI models right on their computers, too. This mix of AI and graphics tech makes advanced computing easier for a lot more people to use.



Along with its new AI laptops, HP is expanding into desktops, workstations, and enterprise systems. The company is preparing a compact RTX Spark-powered desktop that combines strong AI performance with a space-saving design. HP is also building advanced systems using NVIDIA GB300 technology for demanding business tasks. Furthermore, for those needing more security, there’s the ZGX Nano. It provides a safe space to develop and deploy AI without worries.



Expected Price and Availability 



HP plans to launch the OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14 later in 2026. The company has not revealed pricing details for either laptop yet. More details about the devices are expected closer to release. HP also plans to launch the OmniDesk Mini Desktop PC in August 2026. Buyers can expect further information about features and pricing before the products reach the market.





#Introduces #NextGeneration #PCs #NVIDIA #RTX #SparkHP

The platform gives us the computing power for video production, digital design, and content creation. Plus, gamers get better graphics and a more responsive experience. AI developers can make and test AI models right on their computers, too. This mix of AI and graphics tech makes advanced computing easier for a lot more people to use.

Along with its new AI laptops, HP is expanding into desktops, workstations, and enterprise systems. The company is preparing a compact RTX Spark-powered desktop that combines strong AI performance with a space-saving design. HP is also building advanced systems using NVIDIA GB300 technology for demanding business tasks. Furthermore, for those needing more security, there’s the ZGX Nano. It provides a safe space to develop and deploy AI without worries.

Expected Price and Availability

HP plans to launch the OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14 later in 2026. The company has not revealed pricing details for either laptop yet. More details about the devices are expected closer to release. HP also plans to launch the OmniDesk Mini Desktop PC in August 2026. Buyers can expect further information about features and pricing before the products reach the market.

#Introduces #NextGeneration #PCs #NVIDIA #RTX #SparkHP">HP Introduces Next-Generation AI PCs With NVIDIA RTX Spark
	
HP has announced a new line of Windows PCs equipped with NVIDIA RTX Spark, designed to enhance AI computing experiences. They’re targeting creators, gamers, and developers who need to run intense apps and use new AI workflows. HP wants these PCs to be super capable, ultra-responsive, and ready for what’s ahead.



The new lineup includes the OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14. Both come with NVIDIA RTX Spark tech, which blends AI and superior graphics while boosting battery efficiency. So, HP is all about amazing performance without sacrificing battery life or mobility. The company claims these laptops will rank among the world’s thinnest models without compromising battery life.



Built For Creators, Gamers, And AI Developers







The platform gives us the computing power for video production, digital design, and content creation. Plus, gamers get better graphics and a more responsive experience. AI developers can make and test AI models right on their computers, too. This mix of AI and graphics tech makes advanced computing easier for a lot more people to use.



Along with its new AI laptops, HP is expanding into desktops, workstations, and enterprise systems. The company is preparing a compact RTX Spark-powered desktop that combines strong AI performance with a space-saving design. HP is also building advanced systems using NVIDIA GB300 technology for demanding business tasks. Furthermore, for those needing more security, there’s the ZGX Nano. It provides a safe space to develop and deploy AI without worries.



Expected Price and Availability 



HP plans to launch the OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14 later in 2026. The company has not revealed pricing details for either laptop yet. More details about the devices are expected closer to release. HP also plans to launch the OmniDesk Mini Desktop PC in August 2026. Buyers can expect further information about features and pricing before the products reach the market.





#Introduces #NextGeneration #PCs #NVIDIA #RTX #SparkHP

a new line of Windows PCs equipped with NVIDIA RTX Spark, designed to enhance AI computing experiences. They’re targeting creators, gamers, and developers who need to run intense apps and use new AI workflows. HP wants these PCs to be super capable, ultra-responsive, and ready for what’s ahead.

The new lineup includes the OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14. Both come with NVIDIA RTX Spark tech, which blends AI and superior graphics while boosting battery efficiency. So, HP is all about amazing performance without sacrificing battery life or mobility. The company claims these laptops will rank among the world’s thinnest models without compromising battery life.

Built For Creators, Gamers, And AI Developers

HP Introduces Next-Generation AI PCs With NVIDIA RTX Spark
	
HP has announced a new line of Windows PCs equipped with NVIDIA RTX Spark, designed to enhance AI computing experiences. They’re targeting creators, gamers, and developers who need to run intense apps and use new AI workflows. HP wants these PCs to be super capable, ultra-responsive, and ready for what’s ahead.



The new lineup includes the OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14. Both come with NVIDIA RTX Spark tech, which blends AI and superior graphics while boosting battery efficiency. So, HP is all about amazing performance without sacrificing battery life or mobility. The company claims these laptops will rank among the world’s thinnest models without compromising battery life.



Built For Creators, Gamers, And AI Developers







The platform gives us the computing power for video production, digital design, and content creation. Plus, gamers get better graphics and a more responsive experience. AI developers can make and test AI models right on their computers, too. This mix of AI and graphics tech makes advanced computing easier for a lot more people to use.



Along with its new AI laptops, HP is expanding into desktops, workstations, and enterprise systems. The company is preparing a compact RTX Spark-powered desktop that combines strong AI performance with a space-saving design. HP is also building advanced systems using NVIDIA GB300 technology for demanding business tasks. Furthermore, for those needing more security, there’s the ZGX Nano. It provides a safe space to develop and deploy AI without worries.



Expected Price and Availability 



HP plans to launch the OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14 later in 2026. The company has not revealed pricing details for either laptop yet. More details about the devices are expected closer to release. HP also plans to launch the OmniDesk Mini Desktop PC in August 2026. Buyers can expect further information about features and pricing before the products reach the market.





#Introduces #NextGeneration #PCs #NVIDIA #RTX #SparkHP

The platform gives us the computing power for video production, digital design, and content creation. Plus, gamers get better graphics and a more responsive experience. AI developers can make and test AI models right on their computers, too. This mix of AI and graphics tech makes advanced computing easier for a lot more people to use.

Along with its new AI laptops, HP is expanding into desktops, workstations, and enterprise systems. The company is preparing a compact RTX Spark-powered desktop that combines strong AI performance with a space-saving design. HP is also building advanced systems using NVIDIA GB300 technology for demanding business tasks. Furthermore, for those needing more security, there’s the ZGX Nano. It provides a safe space to develop and deploy AI without worries.

Expected Price and Availability

HP plans to launch the OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14 later in 2026. The company has not revealed pricing details for either laptop yet. More details about the devices are expected closer to release. HP also plans to launch the OmniDesk Mini Desktop PC in August 2026. Buyers can expect further information about features and pricing before the products reach the market.

#Introduces #NextGeneration #PCs #NVIDIA #RTX #SparkHP">HP Introduces Next-Generation AI PCs With NVIDIA RTX Spark

HP has announced a new line of Windows PCs equipped with NVIDIA RTX Spark, designed to enhance AI computing experiences. They’re targeting creators, gamers, and developers who need to run intense apps and use new AI workflows. HP wants these PCs to be super capable, ultra-responsive, and ready for what’s ahead.

The new lineup includes the OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14. Both come with NVIDIA RTX Spark tech, which blends AI and superior graphics while boosting battery efficiency. So, HP is all about amazing performance without sacrificing battery life or mobility. The company claims these laptops will rank among the world’s thinnest models without compromising battery life.

Built For Creators, Gamers, And AI Developers

HP Introduces Next-Generation AI PCs With NVIDIA RTX Spark
	
HP has announced a new line of Windows PCs equipped with NVIDIA RTX Spark, designed to enhance AI computing experiences. They’re targeting creators, gamers, and developers who need to run intense apps and use new AI workflows. HP wants these PCs to be super capable, ultra-responsive, and ready for what’s ahead.



The new lineup includes the OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14. Both come with NVIDIA RTX Spark tech, which blends AI and superior graphics while boosting battery efficiency. So, HP is all about amazing performance without sacrificing battery life or mobility. The company claims these laptops will rank among the world’s thinnest models without compromising battery life.



Built For Creators, Gamers, And AI Developers







The platform gives us the computing power for video production, digital design, and content creation. Plus, gamers get better graphics and a more responsive experience. AI developers can make and test AI models right on their computers, too. This mix of AI and graphics tech makes advanced computing easier for a lot more people to use.



Along with its new AI laptops, HP is expanding into desktops, workstations, and enterprise systems. The company is preparing a compact RTX Spark-powered desktop that combines strong AI performance with a space-saving design. HP is also building advanced systems using NVIDIA GB300 technology for demanding business tasks. Furthermore, for those needing more security, there’s the ZGX Nano. It provides a safe space to develop and deploy AI without worries.



Expected Price and Availability 



HP plans to launch the OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14 later in 2026. The company has not revealed pricing details for either laptop yet. More details about the devices are expected closer to release. HP also plans to launch the OmniDesk Mini Desktop PC in August 2026. Buyers can expect further information about features and pricing before the products reach the market.





#Introduces #NextGeneration #PCs #NVIDIA #RTX #SparkHP

The platform gives us the computing power for video production, digital design, and content creation. Plus, gamers get better graphics and a more responsive experience. AI developers can make and test AI models right on their computers, too. This mix of AI and graphics tech makes advanced computing easier for a lot more people to use.

Along with its new AI laptops, HP is expanding into desktops, workstations, and enterprise systems. The company is preparing a compact RTX Spark-powered desktop that combines strong AI performance with a space-saving design. HP is also building advanced systems using NVIDIA GB300 technology for demanding business tasks. Furthermore, for those needing more security, there’s the ZGX Nano. It provides a safe space to develop and deploy AI without worries.

Expected Price and Availability

HP plans to launch the OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14 later in 2026. The company has not revealed pricing details for either laptop yet. More details about the devices are expected closer to release. HP also plans to launch the OmniDesk Mini Desktop PC in August 2026. Buyers can expect further information about features and pricing before the products reach the market.

#Introduces #NextGeneration #PCs #NVIDIA #RTX #SparkHP

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