Brynn Putnam’s Next Venture: Leveraging Tech to Foster Human Connections Post-Mirror Sale
Brynn Putnam sold her company, Mirror, to Lululemon for $500 million at the start of the pandemic. Many thought she sold too soon, but the timing proved wise as home fitness interest declined after the initial lockdowns. After a year at Lululemon, Putnam gained valuable experience and insights that led her to a new startup, set to launch in 2025.
Lerer Hippeau, the venture firm that invested in Mirror, is also backing Putnam’s new venture. Putnam discussed these developments with managing partner Ben Lerer during a recent interview.
Lerer remembered initial skepticism about Mirror but was quickly convinced of Putnam’s vision and talent. They weren’t looking to sell Mirror but found an opportunity with Lululemon that aligned with their goals. Putnam believed this partnership would allow Mirror to reach more homes effectively.
Lerer supported Putnam’s decision to sell, highlighting basic business principles—such as selling when others are eager. He believes it was a brilliant move, even if it faced initial skepticism.
Following the sale, Putnam worked as an executive at Lululemon. She found the experience enlightening but ultimately challenging as she missed building something herself. Her new venture focuses on fostering social connections through technology, aiming to enhance family and friends’ quality time together.
How does Brynn Putnam envision the future of fitness technology in light of her upcoming product?
Exclusive Interview: Brynn Putnam on Her Journey from Mirror to a New Startup
News Directory 3: We’re here with Brynn Putnam, founder of Mirror and a visionary in the fitness technology space, who recently made headlines with her journey from the sale of Mirror to Lululemon, and now a new startup set to launch in 2025. Brynn, thank you for joining us today.
Brynn Putnam: Thanks for having me! I’m excited to share my journey and what’s next.
ND3: Let’s start with the sale of Mirror. Many questioned your timing when you sold the company for $500 million right as the pandemic began. In hindsight, how do you feel about that decision?
Brynn Putnam: It was definitely a bold choice, and while I respect the differing opinions, I truly believe the timing was right. The initial surge of home fitness interest during lockdowns was a moment to seize, and aligning with Lululemon expanded our reach in a meaningful way. Looking back now, I can see it was a strategic move given how the market shifted post-lockdown.
ND3: Ben Lerer from Lerer Hippeau has been a strong supporter of your ventures. What was his perspective on selling Mirror, especially considering the early skepticism about it?
Brynn Putnam: Ben was incredibly supportive throughout the process. He recognized my vision early on, and although initial skepticism lingered, he agreed that selling could serve our growth strategy. He highlighted a fundamental business principle: sell when there’s enthusiasm in the market. That sentiment has proven wise.
ND3: After your time at Lululemon, what were some key takeaways that influenced your current project?
Brynn Putnam: My time at Lululemon was a tremendous learning experience, though I found myself craving the hands-on aspect of building something again. I gained insights into consumer behavior and the importance of community, which I’m channeling into my new venture.
ND3: What can you tell us about your upcoming product?
Brynn Putnam: It’s designed to foster connections among families and friends, not just catered to children. We want to emphasize shared experiences and quality time rather than allow technology to overshadow these interactions. It’s about facilitating connection, and I think that’s something many of us long for, especially in our increasingly digital world.
ND3: You’ve mentioned that we might be entering a golden age of hardware. Could you elaborate on that?
Brynn Putnam: Absolutely! We’ve seen a lull in impactful consumer hardware innovations, but with technological advancements today, the potential is immense. I’m inspired by the philosophy behind Nintendo, which uses mature technologies to create engaging experiences. There’s a powerful trend emerging: bringing people together through shared passions, which resonates strongly in today’s market.
ND3: Ben, you’ve also stated that investment in consumer products is returning, particularly boosted by AI innovations. What do you think this means for the industry?
Ben Lerer: It’s an exciting time! As AI opens new doors, I see a fresh wave of founders eager to explore consumer products. The optimism surrounding this sector is palpable, and we’re ready to support pioneering ideas and trends that improve our day-to-day lives.
ND3: Brynn, what’s your vision for your new startup, and what impact do you hope it will have?
Brynn Putnam: I envision a product that not only brings families together but also integrates seamlessly into their lives. My goal is to ignite wonder and facilitate deeper connections, which I believe is crucial as we navigate a world increasingly filled with distractions.
ND3: Thank you, Brynn and Ben, for sharing these insights. We look forward to seeing what’s next for you and your new venture!
Brynn Putnam: Thank you! I can’t wait to share more as we get closer to the launch.
Ben Lerer: It’s been a pleasure, thanks!
Putnam described her upcoming product as for everyone, not just children, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences. She believes the tech should facilitate these connections rather than overpower them.
Putnam thinks we are entering a golden age of hardware. After years of few consumer hardware successes, she sees potential in current technology advancements. She aims to create a device that brings families together, similar to Mirror.
She drew inspiration from Nintendo’s design philosophy, suggesting that using mature technologies can create engaging experiences. Bringing people together through shared passions is a growing theme among investors.
Lerer noted that consumer investment is returning, driven by the rise of AI. He believes this innovation inspires a new wave of founders to explore consumer products. Overall, he feels optimistic about this sector’s future, expressing excitement for new ideas and trends.