In this episode of Equity, two repeat founders share their journeys from successful tech companies to building products that bring people together offline. Tristan Walker, who sold Bevel to P&G, now runs Heirloom, a leathercraft trade school that aims to restore American handcraft. Bryn Putnam, who sold Mirror to Lululemon, is now building Board, a physical game console that blends board games and video games to create shared play experiences.
Summarized by Podsumo
Both founders emphasize moving from digital tools that serve individuals to technology that fosters connection, with Walker's Heirloom reviving artisan trades and Putnam's Board enabling multiplayer play.
Walker highlights that AI is 'stealing knowledge work' and argues that demand for mastery in crafts like leatherworking is not declining but lacks supply, especially among Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
Putnam explains that Board uses a touchscreen that recognizes physical objects, allowing players to use tangible pieces for a hybrid digital-physical experience.
Walker advises that building a profitable, free-cash-flow business in a narrow vertical is now more viable than relying on expensive marketing, as the 'golden age' of Facebook advertising is over.
Putnam plans to launch Board Studio, a creator toolkit that lowers the barrier for users to design and share their own games, using AI for rapid prototyping but emphasizing human taste and judgment.
"We have a place-based product focused on education, creation, and restoration. There's a place for place in each of those things, but then there's also a place for digital accretive work. So scale is whatever we want it to be."