Founders invest in businesses designed to rebuild offline social connection
A growing group of founders is building businesses designed to bring people together offline, arguing that technology has weakened social connection and created demand for more shared experiences. Their ventures range from interactive gaming hardware to craft education and social-life platforms, reflecting a broader belief that combating isolation can also be commercially viable.
Brynn Putnam’s Board is developing a 24-inch touchscreen table for groups to use together, while Tristan Walker’s Heirloom is acquiring and expanding specialist craft schools, beginning with leatherworking. The trend comes amid a World Health Organization estimate that one in six people worldwide experience loneliness, alongside survey findings that two-thirds of Americans are prioritising experiences over material goods; other founders pursuing similar ideas include Andy Dunn and Audrey Gelman.
- Founders see offline connection as both a social need and business opportunity.
- New ventures span gaming, craft education and community-building platforms.
- Loneliness and demand for experiences are helping drive interest.
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Originally published by TechCrunch as “A small but growing number of founders are betting on bringing people together offline”.