Mirror Founder Launches 'Board' - A New Connected Gaming Device

Brynn Putnam's New Venture: Introducing Board

Brynn Putnam, recognized as the originator of the connected fitness system Mirror, is launching a new company. This venture centers around a technologically advanced gaming console. It uniquely blends the engaging aspects of traditional board games with the immersive qualities of video games, and is named Board.

From Mirror to Board: A New Direction

Following the sale of Mirror to Lululemon for $500 million in 2020, Putnam refocused her entrepreneurial efforts. Her aim was to develop a completely novel product. This product was publicly revealed for the first time on Tuesday at the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 conference held in San Francisco.

Bridging the Physical and Digital Worlds

Similar to the concept behind Mirror, Board integrates elements from both the physical and digital realms. The device functions as a gaming platform. It’s specifically designed to encourage social interaction, allowing friends and families to gather and play together, much like with a conventional board game.

Interactive Gameplay Experience

However, the game surface itself is a responsive screen. It can detect touches, recognize hand movements, and even identify physical objects placed upon it. This 24-inch screen is encased within an aesthetically pleasing wood-finish frame.

The founder explained that this size comfortably accommodates between four and six players.

Launch Details and Initial Offerings

The Board console is priced at $500. Upon release, it will include 12 pre-installed games and a collection of 50 game pieces.

The Future of Board: AI Integration

Putnam anticipates that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a crucial role in personalizing the device over time. She envisions features such as:

Vision and voice input capabilities
Adaptable and dynamic storylines
Accessibility features, including translation and voice-to-text functionality

Ultimately, AI will empower users to create their own content on Board. This will transform the console into a platform for creative self-expression, extending beyond a simple gaming device.

Game Development and Platform Expansion

The initial games were developed through a collaboration between the startup’s in-house studio and external developers. The long-term strategy involves opening the platform to a wider range of developers. An app store is planned, enabling others to contribute their own gaming experiences to Board.

Investment and Funding

Board has secured funding from Lerer Hippeau, the venture capital firm that initially invested $3 million in Mirror’s seed round. Additional investment has come from First Round and Box Group. To date, the company has raised $15 million and is currently seeking Series A funding.

The Motivation Behind Board

When asked about her decision to focus on gaming, Putnam stated, “I think that play is just universal…” She further explained that while fitness doesn’t appeal to everyone, play is a common ground. It’s a universal language that fosters connection and brings people together.