New AI Startup Trend: How Board’s ‘Together Tech’ Could Win in 2026

For months, the AI world has been dominated by a single narrative: explosive growth, massive funding rounds, and the relentless pursuit of the “next big thing” in generative models. Everyone, from venture capitalists to tech journalists, predicted a continued deluge of unicorn startups, each promising to revolutionize everything from marketing to medicine with the latest Large Language Model (LLM). The expectation was a landscape overflowing with AI companies, all vying for attention and capital, with a few inevitably dominating the conversation. However, a quiet shift is underway, and a relatively unknown startup called Board, spearheaded by former Mirror founder Brynn Putnam, is poised to disrupt this pattern and potentially lead the way in 2026.

Board’s core concept is deceptively simple: it’s building a platform for in-person social experiences centered around games and creative activities. Putnam, who previously oversaw the Mirror – a smart mirror that offered personalized news and information – recognized a growing dissatisfaction with the purely digital social landscape. Mirror’s initial hype faded as users realized the value proposition was complex and didn’t fully address a fundamental human need: genuine connection. Board aims to fix this by leveraging AI not to generate text or images, but to orchestrate and enhance real-world interactions. The company is currently developing a suite of “pods” – small, modular spaces equipped with interactive displays, game consoles, and AI-powered facilitation tools. These pods will host a variety of events, ranging from collaborative puzzle-solving to live-action role-playing games, all guided by an AI assistant that adapts to the group’s preferences and dynamics. Putnam recently secured $12 million in seed funding from a group of angel investors, led by ex-Google AI researcher, Dr. Anya Sharma, and is building a team of 25 people in San Francisco. This funding will be used to build out the initial pod prototypes and scale up their pilot programs, aiming for a launch in late 2025 with a focus on urban centers.

What This Actually Means

This shift in focus matters enormously because it’s a direct response to the overvaluation and inflated expectations surrounding pure AI development. While companies like OpenAI and Google continue to burn through billions on ever-larger models, many users are experiencing “AI fatigue” – a sense of overwhelm and disillusionment with the constant stream of new, often underwhelming, AI tools. The market is starting to question whether all this technological advancement is actually solving fundamental problems or simply creating new ones. Board’s approach represents a pragmatic, human-centered perspective, acknowledging that technology’s greatest value lies in its ability to augment – not replace – genuine human connection. Furthermore, the rise of the Cyberdeck movement – a community crafting and using DIY computers – signals a broader trend of users actively seeking control and customization in their tech experiences, a stark contrast to the often-opaque and black-box nature of many current AI systems.

Several companies are undoubtedly feeling the pressure. Major AI players like OpenAI, focused almost exclusively on scaling LLMs, are facing increased scrutiny and a rapidly diminishing return on investment. Their heavy bets on purely generative AI haven’t translated into widespread user adoption or demonstrable business value, and the competition from niche startups like Board is forcing them to re-evaluate their strategy. Conversely, Board stands to benefit immensely from this shift. The $12 million investment provides a significant advantage, allowing them to rapidly iterate and build a strong community. Smaller, more focused companies creating tangible, human-centered experiences are attracting investors who recognize the value of solving real-world problems, not just chasing the latest algorithmic trend.

For users currently wrestling with complex AI interfaces and grappling with the ethical concerns surrounding data privacy and algorithmic bias, Board offers a refreshing alternative. It’s a reminder that technology doesn't need to be intimidating or overwhelming. Instead, it can be used to facilitate joyful, engaging experiences that strengthen our social bonds. Consider how you currently spend your leisure time – scrolling through endless feeds, passively consuming content. Board’s approach encourages active participation, collaboration, and face-to-face interaction, offering a valuable counterbalance to the isolating effects of digital life. Pay attention to companies prioritizing tangible experiences and community building, as they represent a more sustainable and ultimately more satisfying approach to technology.

Why This Changes Everything

Ultimately, Board’s success signals a fundamental reassessment of the AI landscape – a recognition that the most valuable innovations aren’t always the most computationally intensive. Instead, the future of AI, and perhaps the future of technology itself, might be found in a quiet return to what truly matters: human connection and the simple joy of shared experience.