Board, the innovative game startup from Mirror founder Brynn Putnam, raises $20M and has already sold thousands
BOARD RAISES $20M IN SERIES A FUNDING
Board, the innovative startup focused on enhancing social interactions through gaming, has successfully raised $20 million in Series A funding. The financing round was led by Union Square Ventures, with General Partner Michael Mignano joining the company's board of directors as part of the investment. This significant capital injection will allow Board to expand its reach and continue developing its unique gaming technology. Notably, the round attracted high-profile angel investors, including Biz Stone, Tim Ferriss, and Scott Belsky, showcasing the strong interest and belief in Board's vision.
BRYNN PUTNAM'S JOURNEY FROM MIRROR TO BOARD
Founder Brynn Putnam has a remarkable entrepreneurial background, having previously founded the connected fitness startup Mirror, which she sold to Lululemon for an impressive $500 million. After transitioning from the fitness industry, Putnam unveiled Board to the public at TechCrunch Disrupt last October. Her experience in building successful tech-driven businesses has been instrumental in shaping Board's mission to create technology that fosters real-world connections. With her leadership, Board aims to redefine how people engage with games, moving beyond traditional formats to create a more immersive experience.
HOW BOARD IS REVOLUTIONIZING GAME PLAY WITH TOGETHER TECH
Board is at the forefront of what it calls "together tech," a concept designed to bring people together physically in the same space through interactive gaming. The centerpiece of Board's offering is its 24-inch touchscreen device, elegantly framed in wood, which utilizes proprietary technology to recognize physical game pieces. This innovative approach merges the tactile enjoyment of board games with the dynamic interactivity typically found in video games. By blending these two worlds, Board is set to revolutionize gameplay, making it more engaging and accessible for users of all ages.
THE IMPACT OF BOARD'S DEVICE ON SOCIAL INTERACTIONS
The Board device is more than just a gaming console; it is a tool for enhancing social interactions. With its ability to facilitate group play, Board is already making waves in homes, schools, hospitals, and restaurants across the United States. The company reports that 85% of its customers engage in an average of 30 or more play sessions each month, indicating that Board is successfully fostering community and connection through its platform. By encouraging people to gather around the device, Board is helping to strengthen social bonds and create shared experiences, which are increasingly important in today's digital age.
INTRODUCING BOARD STUDIO: AI-POWERED GAME CREATION
In addition to its gaming device, Board is set to launch Board Studio, an AI-powered game creation platform that will allow users to design their own games using natural language prompts. This innovative tool aims to democratize game development, enabling anyone to go from concept to playable prototype in under an hour. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Board Studio will empower users to express their creativity and share their ideas, further enhancing the community aspect of Board's ecosystem. This initiative is expected to attract a diverse range of creators, expanding the library of games available on the Board platform.
BOARD'S GROWTH: THOUSANDS OF UNITS SOLD ACROSS THE U.S.
Since its launch, Board has experienced remarkable traction, with its devices now present in tens of thousands of locations across all 50 states. This widespread adoption underscores the demand for Board's unique approach to gaming and social interaction. The combination of engaging gameplay and the ability to bring people together has resonated with consumers, resulting in strong sales figures. As Board continues to grow and innovate, it is well-positioned to become a leader in the gaming industry, transforming how people connect and play together.