Tech that brings people together — away from screens
While AI remains a headline-making investment magnet, a parallel movement among startups is proving just as interesting: companies designed to get people off their phones and back into real-world interactions. Leaders in this space are building games, social venues, and tangible hardware that reward presence and participation over endless scrolling.
One standout is Brynn Putnam's Board, a startup that raised funding to scale in-person games and social experiences. Board promises to help people form stronger local communities through organized events and playful gatherings — a straightforward, human-focused mission at a time when digital-first solutions dominate fundraising headlines.
On the hardware side, cyberdeck creators are going viral with whimsical, do-it-yourself computers that celebrate making, tinkering, and offline hobbies. These devices are intentionally low-friction and tactile, encouraging users to step outside, meet others, and reclaim time away from screens. The creativity and charm of these projects show there’s appetite for tech that fosters curiosity and real-life engagement.
The positive impact is clear: these startups offer healthier behavior patterns, new revenue opportunities, and richer local networks. They diversify the tech ecosystem by proving that innovation can promote presence as well as convenience — and they invite investors and users alike to support products that help people reconnect with one another.