A wave of 'together tech' startups is emerging as founders build social and in-person experiences rather than AI-focused products

Mirror founder Brynn Putnam raised funding for Board, a startup bringing people together through in-person games and social experiences, while Cyberdeck creators are building DIY computers that encourage users to engage offline.

On TechCrunch's Equity podcast, hosts discussed this shift alongside major funding announcements: ex-Meta CTO Mike Schroepfer raised $250 million for climate tech, and rocket engine startup Impulse raised $500 million while emphasizing spending on people rather than AI.

Anthropic's confidential IPO filing was examined in light of Alphabet's $80 billion AI raise, as hosts explored whether capital is consolidating among large incumbents despite overall AI fundraising records being broken.