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GeekWireGeekWire reporters John Cook, Todd Bishop and guests talk about the latest tech news and trends. Author: GeekWire
GeekWire brings you the week's latest technology news, trends and insights, covering the world of technology from our home base in Seattle. Our regular news podcast features commentary and analysis from our editors and reporters, plus interviews with special guests. Language: en-us Genres: News, Tech News, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Landline phones in 2025? How this tech vet is helping kids connect
Saturday, 20 December, 2025
If you're looking for an uncommon thinker, how about a tech industry veteran developing and selling landline phones in 2025 — and selling out of them in the process. Chet Kittleson is the co-founder and CEO of Tin Can, a Seattle startup making Wi-Fi enabled landline phones designed to let kids talk to friends and family with just their voices. No screens, no AI. GeekWire recognized Kittleson as one of our Uncommon Thinkers for 2025, a program presented in partnership with Greater Seattle Partners honoring inventors, scientists, and entrepreneurs transforming their industries in unexpected ways. In this episode, he talks about the moment at school pickup that sparked the idea, why his own kids don't own devices, what happened when he eliminated screens on family road trips, and the $12 million seed round led by Greylock that will fuel the company's next chapter. Related stories: Tin Can dials up another $12M to meet soaring demand for landline-style phone for kids Uncommon Thinkers: Tin Can is Chet Kittleson’s calling, and a way to foster deeper connections Uncommon Thinkers: Hope for the future from our 2025 honorees With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; edited by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
