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Chert

YC X26

San Francisco, US Β· Founded 2026 Β· 2 employees Β· 1 known investors

Chert provides an API platform that makes iMessage programmable at scale for business workflows. It enables teams to send, receive, route, and monitor iMessage conversations with features like native blue-bubble messaging, typing indicators, file attachments, and fallback to SMS/RCS, serving go-to-market and customer-facing teams.

Developer ToolsEnterprise SoftwareSaaSUnited States of AmericaAmerica / Canada

Founders & leadershipΒ· Y Combinator alumni (X26)

Chert was founded in 2026 by Gary Gao and Ian Fong.

GGGary Gao
Gary Gaoin𝕏Co-Founder & CEOGary Gao studied computer science and business at the University of Pennsylvania. He researches machine learning model architectures and neuromorphic chip design, and co-founded Chert, which builds infrastructure for conversational interfaces on iMessage.
IFIan Fong
Ian Fongin𝕏Co-FounderIan Fong studied mathematics and computer science/economics at NYU and conducted algorithm research at the Courant Institute. He is currently building Chert, a conversational API platform for team communication and automation.

Investors Β· 1

Y CombinatorSan Francisco Β· $500K

Images

Chert photo

In the news

Chert – iMessage infrastructure for trusted communication at scaleycombinator.com Β· May 2026Chert Funding | Complete Analysis | Extruct AIextruct.ai

Frequently asked questions

What does Chert do?
Chert provides an API platform that makes iMessage programmable at scale for business workflows. It enables teams to send, receive, route, and monitor iMessage conversations with features like native blue-bubble messaging, typing indicators, file attachments, and fallback to SMS/RCS, serving go-to-market and customer-facing teams.
Who founded Chert?
Chert was founded by Gary Gao, Ian Fong in 2026.
Who are Chert's investors?
Chert's investors include Y Combinator.
Where is Chert headquartered?
Chert is headquartered in San Francisco, US.