Chet Kittleson, co-founder and CEO of Tin Can, has successfully launched a Seattle-based startup focused on Wi-Fi enabled landline phones, which have sold out. The company's innovative approach aims to provide children with a direct way to communicate with family and friends without the distractions of screens or artificial intelligence.
GeekWire has named Kittleson among its Uncommon Thinkers for 2025, recognizing his efforts in reshaping the tech landscape. In an interview, he reflects on how his childhood experiences with landlines inspired the concept, emphasizing that the landline was once a vital social tool for kids.
Kittleson highlighted a recent $12 million seed funding round led by Greylock, which will support the company's future endeavors. He argues that the focus of Tin Can is not merely nostalgic but rather about fostering genuine connections in a modern context, distinguishing it as a "connection factory."
According to Kittleson, texting lacks the emotional benefits of direct communication, as studies show that children feel more connected when they call or meet their parents compared to texting. This insight underscores the company's mission to revive the essence of voice communication.