The ‘together tech’ wave might be the most intriguing startup bet of 2026

While the AI fundraising machine keeps breaking its own records, some founders are building in the other direction. Mirror founder Brynn Putnam just raised money for Board, a startup focused on bringing people together through in-person games and social experiences. Cyberdeck creators are going viral crafting whimsical DIY computers that literally encourage users to touch grass. Unlike the AI-free browser crowd, this doesn’t just feel like backlash—it’s a deliberate pivot toward human connection.

The 'together tech' wave is emerging as a counterpoint to the relentless digitization of daily life. Board, for instance, aims to revive the lost art of face-to-face interaction by designing curated game nights and social events that blend physical activity with light digital scaffolding. Putnam, who previously built the fitness startup Mirror, sees a market gap: after years of isolation and screen dependency, people crave authentic, unmediated experiences. Her new venture raised an undisclosed seed round from investors who bet that the pendulum is swinging back toward real-world community.

Meanwhile, a quirky subculture of cyberdeck builders is gaining traction on social media. These DIY enthusiasts construct portable, often retro-futuristic computers with exposed keyboards, colorful casings, and whimsical features like built-in plant holders or compasses. The trend’s motto? 'Touch grass.' These devices are intentionally less powerful than modern laptops, designed to limit multitasking and encourage users to step outside. Videos of cyberdeck projects have amassed millions of views, inspiring a cottage industry of kit makers and parts suppliers.

What sets 'together tech' apart from previous tech backlash movements is its constructive, rather than reactionary, tone. Rather than simply rejecting AI or screens, founders are building tools that prioritize shared experiences. This shift is attracting venture capital dollars that traditionally flowed to AI startups, signaling a diversification of the startup ecosystem. As one investor noted, 'The next billion-dollar company might not be about replacing humans with algorithms, but about reconnecting them.'

Whether it’s Board’s community-driven events or the tactile joy of a cyberdeck, the 'together tech' wave suggests that 2026’s most intriguing startup bet is one that brings us closer—literally and figuratively.