The 'together tech' wave might be the most intriguing startup bet of 2026

Episode notes

While the AI fundraising machine keeps breaking its own records , some founders are building in the other direction. Mirror founder Brynn Putnam just raised money for Board , a startup focused on bringing people together through in-person games and social experiences. Cyberdeck creators are going viral crafting whimsical DIY computers that literally encourage users to touch grass. Unlike the AI-free browser crowd , this doesn't just feel like backlash, but also people genuinely gravitating toward things that feel a little more human. On this episode of TechCrunch's Equity podcast, Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and Sean O'Kane dig into the week's headlines, from the "together tech" wave to what Anthropic's confidential IPO filing means against the backdrop of Alphabet's $80 billion AI raise, and whether the money is all flowing back to the big guys anyway.

• What if the AI giants are building the roads, not the destinations? Chi-Hua Chien thinks he knows who wins61 / 100
• The US banned Anthropic's Fable 5 release, but the numbers don't seem to care36 / 100
• NEA's Tiffany Luck on AI IPOs, personal agents, and the ROI reckoning47 / 100
• The SpaceX IPO has finally arrived
• It’s hot IPO summer, and the MANGOS are ripe