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The hottest startups are designed to get you off your phone

The hottest startups are designed to get you off your phone

June 26, 2026
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The hottest startups are designed to get you off your phone

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While AI fundraising continues to shatter its own benchmarks, some founders are moving in the opposite direction.

Mirror founder Brynn Putnam has secured funding for Board, a startup designed to reconnect people through in-person games and shared social experiences. Cyberdeck builders are gaining viral traction by crafting whimsical DIY computers that practically urge users to step outside. Unlike the no-AI browser crowd, this trend feels less like a reactionary backlash and more like a genuine pull toward experiences that feel distinctly human.

In this episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, hosts Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and Sean O’Kane break down the week’s biggest stories: from the rise of “together tech” and what Anthropic’s confidential IPO filing means alongside Alphabet’s $80 billion AI investment, to whether the capital is ultimately consolidating back with the major players.

Follow Equity on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. You can also connect with Equity on X and Threads at @EquityPod.

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