In a striking example of nostalgia meeting modern need, a tech entrepreneur known online as "CatGPT" has built a six-figure business by selling retro-style phones designed to help people disconnect from their smartphones. Cat Goetze's startup, Physical Phones, has tapped into a generation's desire for a digital detox, proving there is substantial market demand for analog-inspired solutions in a hyper-connected world.
From Personal Project to Viral Sensation
The journey began two years ago when Cat Goetze personally sought a "low-tech" alternative to her smartphone. Finding the installation of a traditional landline too expensive and complicated, she took a creative DIY approach. Goetze modified a thrifted pink clamshell landline phone to connect via Bluetooth to her mobile device. For two years, this custom unit was her primary home phone, handling calls and even buzzing guests into her building.
In July 2025, she decided to share her invention on social media, expecting minimal interest. She set up a small online shop hoping for maybe 15 to 20 pre-orders. The response, however, was explosive. Her startup generated a staggering $120,000 in sales within just the first three days after the post went viral. By the end of October 2025, the business had sold over 3,000 units, amassing total revenue of $280,000.
How the Retro-Modern Hybrid Phone Works
Physical Phones are not standalone devices but clever accessories that bridge the past and present. They function as a Bluetooth extension of a user's existing smartphone. Currently offered in five styles priced between $90 and $110, the devices have evolved from hand-built prototypes to products manufactured with the help of an electronics partner, with the first major batches slated to ship in December 2025.
The core functionality is designed for seamless integration:
- Connectivity: Pairs effortlessly with both iPhone and Android smartphones via Bluetooth.
- Incoming Calls: The retro phone rings for all standard cellular calls and even for audio or video calls from popular apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Instagram, and Snapchat.
- Outgoing Calls: Users can dial numbers directly on the keypad. Alternatively, pressing the star key (*) activates voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant to dial contacts by name.
Capitalizing on the Chic of Nostalgia
Goetze's inspiration was deeply personal and emotional. She told CNBC Make It about imagining how "cute" it would be to have landline phones again, to twirl the cord while talking to friends. That feeling of nostalgia struck her as not just sentimental but also chic. This insight into the aesthetic and emotional appeal of analog experiences became the foundation of her business model.
The viral success story highlights a significant market shift, particularly among younger demographics in India and globally, who are consciously seeking ways to reduce screen time and combat digital fatigue. The product offers a tangible method to stay reachable for important calls and messages while physically distancing from the distracting, all-consuming smartphone screen.
Goetze described the overwhelming demand as capturing "lightning in a bottle." What started as a personal solution to a modern problem has now transformed into a promising venture, demonstrating that in the age of AI and constant connectivity, there is a profitable and growing space for simple, tactile, and nostalgic technology.
