Tin Can, a communication device for children, raised $12 million in a Series C round led by Greylock Ventures in October. The product, founded by Chet Kittleson, functions as a simplified phone allowing kids aged 5 to 13 to make calls to approved contacts without internet access. The company experienced significant technical difficulties during the holidays when call volume increased a hundredfold beyond expectations, overwhelming the network. Kittleson acknowledged the "stressful Christmas" and said future shipments would be staggered to prevent similar issues. The device faces quality challenges including echoes, unstable sound and difficult-to-press buttons that sometimes require parental assistance. Kittleson positions Tin Can as a modern alternative to the landline, aiming to give children independence whilst maintaining parental oversight through a controlled contact list.

Seattle-based hardware startup Tin Can has raised $12 million in seed funding to produce screen-free landline phones aimed at families seeking fewer digital distractions. Led by CEO Chet Kittleson, the company offers voice-only devices without screens, apps or AI features. The phones are designed to help children and grandparents stay connected without smartphone distractions. Kittleson says demand from parents has surged amid growing concerns about screen time and social media exposure. The devices provide a compromise, enabling communication whilst removing features that often cause household conflict. The funding will support manufacturing scale-up and expanded delivery to meet customer demand. Tin Can's stripped-down approach reflects broader interest in basic devices as families search for alternatives to smartphones for home use.