Board, a company pioneering technology for in-person interaction, has successfully closed a $20 million Series A funding round. The investment was led by Union Square Ventures and will fuel the company's evolution from a gaming console to a comprehensive creator platform. This new capital is earmarked for significant expansion, including the launch of its innovative AI-powered tool, Board Studio.
A New Category of 'Together Tech'
At the heart of the company is the Board device, a 24-inch touchscreen that merges the tactile feel of board games with digital interactivity. Its proprietary PieceSense technology recognizes physical game pieces, creating a unique hybrid experience. The product is designed to fulfill the company's mission of creating "together tech" that encourages face-to-face connection.
Since its launch just eight months ago, Board has demonstrated impressive market traction and user engagement. The device is now found in tens of thousands of homes, schools, and restaurants across all 50 states. A remarkable 85% of customers are highly active, averaging over 30 play sessions each month, indicating strong product loyalty.
Fueling a Creator-Driven Ecosystem
The new funding will accelerate Board's strategic shift towards becoming a robust platform for user-generated content. The company already offers software development kits that have been downloaded by thousands of creators for building original experiences. The first game developed by the community is scheduled to launch on the platform this coming July.
A key part of this expansion is the upcoming launch of Board Studio, a creation platform designed for accessibility. It will leverage AI and natural language prompts to empower anyone to design and build their own games. The company states that users will be able to go from a simple idea to a playable prototype in under an hour.
Investor Confidence and Vision
The Series A round was led by Union Square Ventures, marking the first investment for General Partner Michael Mignano since he joined the firm. His confidence in the company's vision is further underscored by his decision to join Board's board of directors. This leadership from a prominent venture capital firm signals strong belief in Board's potential for growth.
Mignano described Board as a "fundamentally new computing surface built around human connection" that could define a new category. The round also attracted notable angel investors, including Biz Stone and Tim Ferriss, alongside existing backers like Lerer Hippeau. This broad support highlights the widespread appeal of Board's mission to blend play, creativity, and physical interaction.
Founder and CEO Brynn Putnam previously founded the connected fitness company Mirror, which was acquired by Lululemon for $500 million. Her experience building successful consumer hardware informs her vision for Board as a platform for shared experiences. Putnam aims to create a new home for AI-powered creation centered around people gathering together.
This $20 million investment marks a pivotal moment for Board, enabling its transformation from a novel gaming device into a dynamic, community-driven creation ecosystem. By empowering users to build with its upcoming AI tools, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of interactive entertainment. Board's focus on shared physical experiences offers a compelling alternative to the often-isolating nature of modern technology.