In an era marked by unprecedented challenges and transformation, Brynn Putnam emerges as a shining beacon for the consumer tech industry. After selling her innovative fitness company, Mirror, to Lululemon for a staggering $500 million just before the pandemic hit, many speculated whether she had made a hasty decision. As it turned out, the timing was strategic and insightful; the home fitness trend that soared during lockdowns took a steep dive soon after, validating her move.

Putnam’s experience at Lululemon, where she served as a general manager post-acquisition, has equipped her with unique operational insights and a wealth of experience that she is now channeling into a fresh venture, set to be unveiled in 2025. Having already secured a competitive investment from venture capital firm Lerer Hippeau, the excitement around her new startup is palpable.

In a recent conversation with Lerer Hippeau's managing partner, Ben Lerer, Putnam shared insights into her entrepreneurial journey and the overall resurgence of consumer tech. The industry, which has witnessed a lull, is experiencing a revival, largely spearheaded by founders who are reimagining consumer interactions.

Ben Lerer reflected on their initial investment in Mirror, recounting how Putnam captivated investors with a rudimentary but compelling demo of the product. He noted that her ingenuity shone through, portraying her as not just a savvy businesswoman but also an inventor with a remarkable vision.

Putnam candidly explained that the decision to sell Mirror was not a premeditated one; instead, it materialized through her longstanding partnership with Lululemon. The merger provided her with the opportunity to broaden Mirror's reach in homes globally—a decision she perceives as a brilliant timing move in retrospect.

Following her tenure at Lululemon, Putnam found herself contemplating a new direction during a pivotal stage in her life, transitioning from parenthood to focusing on creating meaningful relationships with her family. Inspired by her own experiences as a mother, she aims to devise technology that fosters genuine connections, moving away from the isolating nature of screens that dominate children's lives today.

Currently, Putnam’s new endeavor is a consumer hardware company aimed at enhancing face-to-face connections rather than creating more personal devices. Describing it as inclusive, she emphasized that her innovation is designed for families and friends seeking to spend quality time together, emphasizing collaboration and social interaction over isolated use.

Putnam elaborated on the burgeoning intersection of artificial intelligence and consumer hardware, expressing her belief that we are about to witness a "golden age of hardware." She elaborated on how affordable technology components are becoming increasingly accessible, paving the way for new innovations. Staying true to her roots, she aims for her product to be more about creating engaging experiences rather than focusing solely on intricate technical specifications.

While the consumer tech landscape went through a sober phase, there is now a palpable resurgence of enthusiasm among founders and investors alike. Lerer noted how AI’s rapid advancements are igniting fresh inspiration, allowing innovative founders to view old ideas through a new lens. With a new $500 million fund announced by Forerunner Ventures aimed at propelling consumer-focused startups, the excitement and optimism within the sector have reached a crescendo.

In an age where technology seamlessly integrates into our lives, Putnam’s vision seeks to harmonize tech with human connection, marking a new chapter in consumer technology. As the situation continues to evolve, many eyes will undoubtedly be on Putnam and the innovative solutions she is set to launch in the near future. The resurgence of consumer tech is not merely a trend; it symbolizes an evolution—a powerful reminder of the value of both innovation and meaningful connections in today's digital landscape.