Board, a company developing what it describes as the world’s first face-to-face game console, announced it has raised $20 million in Series A funding to accelerate its expansion from a gaming hardware platform into a broader creator ecosystem. The funding will support the development of the company’s creator platform and the upcoming launch of Board Studio, a new platform designed for community-driven game creation.

The Series A round was led by Union Square Ventures and marks the first investment by Michael Mignano since joining the firm as a general partner. Mignano will also join Board’s board of directors.

The financing adds to support from existing investors including First Round Capital, BoxGroup, Lerer Hippeau, SV Angel, and several other venture firms and angel investors.

Founded by Brynn Putnam, who previously founded Mirror, Board is creating a category it calls “together tech,” technology designed to bring people together in person. The platform centers around a shared 24-inch touchscreen powered by the company’s proprietary PieceSense technology, which recognizes physical game pieces and combines traditional board game interactions with digital gameplay.

Since launching in October, Board says it has expanded into tens of thousands of homes and community gathering spaces across all 50 states, including schools, hospitals, and restaurants. According to the company, 85% of customers use the platform for an average of more than 30 sessions per month. Board plans to launch 10 additional original games this year, increasing its library to more than 25 titles by year-end, while also expanding into accessories and collectible special-edition pieces.

The company is also opening its platform to creators. Thousands of developers have already downloaded Board’s software development kits to create games, drawing applications, educational experiences, simulations, and storytelling tools. The first community-built game is scheduled to launch on the platform in July.

To further simplify development, Board announced Board Studio, an AI-powered creation platform expected to launch later this year. The platform will allow families, educators, hobbyists, and developers to build games and custom game pieces using natural language prompts and AI-assisted tools. Board says users will be able to move from an idea to a playable prototype in less than an hour and then share their creations with the broader community.

The company also announced participation from new angel investors including Biz Stone, Elan Lee, Evan Sharp, Jesse Dorogusker, Kayvon Beykpour, Scott Belsky, and Tim Ferriss, along with venture fund Haystack.

KEY QUOTES:

“Most AI-generated software today lives on phones and laptops. We believe AI creation deserves a new home — one built around shared physical experiences, real objects, and people gathered together around a table. Board is becoming not just a place where people play together, but a place where they create together.”

Brynn Putnam, Founder and CEO, Board

“Board represents a fundamentally new computing surface built around human connection. Brynn and the team are creating a platform that blends play, creativity, AI, and physical interaction in a way we think will define an entirely new category.”

Michael Mignano, General Partner, Union Square Ventures