While AI startups continue to attract record-breaking funding rounds, a counter-movement of founders is building products designed to pull people away from their screens and back into physical, in-person experiences. Mirror founder Brynn Putnam is the latest to bet on this trend, raising capital for her new venture Board, a startup centered on in-person games and social activities that bring people together in real life. The so-called "together tech" wave also includes a viral community of cyberdeck makers—hobbyists crafting whimsical, DIY handheld computers that literally encourage users to "touch grass" and engage with the world around them. This shift isn't just a backlash against the AI boom, according to the hosts of TechCrunch's Equity podcast, Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and Sean O'Kane. In a recent episode, they noted that consumers seem genuinely drawn to products that feel more tactile and human. The trend runs parallel to the rise of AI-free browsers and other digital detox tools, but with a notably different flavor—these aren't about stripping out technology so much as redirecting it toward shared, embodied experiences rather than solo screen time. The episode also tackled one of the biggest stories of the week: Anthropic's confidential filing to go public, which lands against the backdrop of Alphabet's staggering $80 billion AI investment round. The hosts questioned whether the AI fundraising frenzy ultimately benefits only the biggest players, with capital concentrating at the top of the food chain rather than trickling down to smaller startups. The juxtaposition is striking—massive AI infrastructure bets happening alongside a counter-cultural movement favoring simpler, analog-style social connection. The episode was produced by Theresa Loconsolo, TechCrunch's audio producer for Equity, who joined the publication in 2022 after working at a four-station radio conglomerate in New Jersey. Listeners can catch Equity on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, and other podcast platforms, or follow the show's discussion on X and Threads at @EquityPod.