Pandemic Darling Hopin Was Sold For Scraps. Now Its Founder Is Working On An AI Device
From $8B unicorn to fire sale. Now Hopin's founder is betting on AI hardware.
Why it matters
A high-profile founder recovering from a catastrophic down-round is re-entering the market with an AI-first hardware play. Signals both the appetite for AI pivots among established entrepreneurs and the graveyard of pandemic-era valuations.
The key facts
8 to knowHopin valued at $8B in 2021
Hopin sold for parts/scrap valuation in 2023
Johnny Boufarhat founding new startup Sedona (AI device/gadget)
Founder returning to market after 2-3 year downround recovery
Johnny Boufarhat founded Hopin, valued at $8B in 2021
Hopin was sold for parts in 2023 (two years after peak valuation)
Boufarhat is now founding Sedona, an AI device startup
Timeline: Hopin peaked 2021, sold 2023, new venture announced June 2026
Go to the source
Forbes Innovationforbes.com
Publisher excerpt: Johnny Boufarhat’s virtual events startup Hopin soared to a $8 billion valuation in 2021 but the business was sold for parts just two years later. He’s back with a new AI gadget startup Sedona