The Future of Human-Computer Interaction: Insights from Jon Callaghan
True Ventures co-founder Jon Callaghan doesn’t think we’ll be using smartphones the way we do now in five years — and maybe not at all in 10.
Jon Callaghan, co-founder of True Ventures, has a bold vision for the future of technology, predicting a radical shift in how we interact with devices. Known for successful investments in companies like Fitbit, Ring, and Peloton, Callaghan’s insights are informed by over two decades of venture capital experience.
A Track Record of Innovation
True Ventures has carved out a unique path in the venture capital landscape, managing approximately $6 billion across 12 core seed funds and various opportunity-style funds. Contrary to the trend of VCs building personal brands and maximizing social media presence, True Ventures has quietly nurtured a network of repeat founders, which has proven effective—boasting 63 exits and seven IPOs from a portfolio of around 300 companies.
According to Callaghan, three of True’s recent exits in late 2025 involved repeat founders, highlighting the value of established relationships in venture capital.
Rethinking Smartphones
Callaghan’s conviction about the smartphone’s decline is striking: “We’re not going to be using iPhones in 10 years,” he states. He suggests that in as little as five years, our interaction with these devices will fundamentally change. His assessment reflects a wider understanding that smartphones are inefficient as the main interface between humans and technology.
“The way we take them out right now to send a text… is super inefficient,” he elaborates. The discussion encourages deeper reflection on the limitations of current technology and the need for more intuitive interfaces.
Exploring Alternative Interfaces
True Ventures has been proactive in investing in alternatives to traditional smartphones, aligning with Callaghan’s vision. This approach previously led to early investments in wearables like Fitbit, as well as Peloton and Ring, each representing a more natural method of human-tech interaction.
The Sandbar: A New Kind of Device
The latest development reflecting this philosophy is a product called Sandbar, described by Callaghan as a “thought companion.” This innovative hardware device takes the form of a voice-activated ring worn on the index finger, designed to capture and organize thoughts through voice notes, serving a fundamental need in human behavior.
This initiative isn’t about merely recording ambient audio; its aim is to assist users in capturing fleeting ideas as they arise. Sandbar is coupled with an app and leverages AI, shifting away from traditional interfaces towards more fluid interactions with technology.
Investing in Behavioral Change
Callaghan emphasizes that True Ventures’ appeal lies in not just the gadget itself, but in the behavioral change it enables. This perspective echoes his earlier insights regarding Peloton, where the essence of the investment was not merely the product, but the community and habits it fostered.
In a saturated market where AI startups are often rapidly overvalued, True Ventures maintains a disciplined investment strategy, sticking to writing seed checks between $3 million and $6 million. Callaghan expresses skepticism about raising massive funds, believing that tight, focused capital can yield extraordinary outcomes.
The Implications of the AI Boom
While acknowledging the rising prominence of AI—calling OpenAI a potential trillion-dollar entity—Callaghan warns of concerning trends in the capital-intensive cycles backing hyperscalers. He notes, “We’re in a very capital intense part of the cycle, and that is worrisome.” Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about the potential for applications built on innovative human-computer interactions.
Conclusion: A Shift in Technology Interaction
As technology evolves, so too do our expectations and needs for interaction with it. Callaghan’s insights on the diminishing role of smartphones resonate with the broader industry trends, where wearables are experiencing rapid growth compared to the stagnation of traditional phone markets. True Ventures is positioning itself at the forefront of this shift, ready to capitalize on a future where technology feels less invasive and more intuitive.
For a deeper look into Jon Callaghan’s thoughts and True Ventures’ vision, check out the original TechCrunch article here.
Image Credit: techcrunch.com
