While the AI fundraising machine continues to break its own records, some founders are building in the opposite direction, according to a recent episode of TechCrunch's Equity podcast. The episode, published June 5, 2026, and hosted by Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and Sean O'Kane, spotlights what they call the 'together tech' wave — startups focused on bringing people together through in-person, human-centric experiences.
The 'Together Tech' Startups
Mirror founder Brynn Putnam has just raised money for Board, a startup focused on bringing people together through in-person games and social experiences, TechCrunch reported. Meanwhile, Cyberdeck creators are going viral crafting whimsical DIY computers that literally encourage users to 'touch grass.' According to the podcast, this trend does not just feel like backlash against AI, but also people genuinely gravitating toward things that feel a little more human.
Other Major Headlines in the Episode
The three hosts also dug into other top stories of the week. They discussed Anthropic's confidential IPO filing against the backdrop of Alphabet's $80 billion AI raise, questioning whether the money is all flowing back to the big guys anyway. Another notable raise: former Meta CTO Mike Schroepfer raised $250 million for climate tech at a moment when almost nobody else is, according to the episode. In a contrasting move, rocket engine startup Impulse raised $500 million and is loudly emphasizing that those funds will be spent on people, not AI. Finally, the episode looked at what two YouTube directors cracking the box office tells us about creator economy power.
Summary of Key Startup Funding Trends Discussed
| Startup / Initiative | Focus Area | Funding Amount | Key Emphasis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board (by Brynn Putnam) | In-person games & social experiences | Not disclosed (raised money) | Human connection |
| Cyberdeck creators | Whimsical DIY computers | Viral (no funding mentioned) | Encouraging outdoor activity |
| Mike Schroepfer's climate tech | Climate technology | $250 million | Investing when few others are |
| Impulse | Rocket engines | $500 million | Spending on people, not AI |
While the AI fundraising machine keeps breaking its own records, these startups represent a counter-trend that investors and enterprise technology leaders should watch. The 'together tech' wave may be the most intriguing startup bet of 2026, as it signals a genuine pull toward experiences that feel more human.
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