Chert
Infrastructure for businesses to automate conversations over iMessage using APIs
trychert.com ↗📍 San Francisco, CA
Verified Data
“Based on pre-seed stage, YC P26 batch (very early), 2-5 employee team, and typical early-stage B2B API startup metrics”
“User/customer count: Undisclosed (Working with early B2C startups)”
“Size: 2-5 employees”
Company Profile
Contact
@CherthqStrategic Analysis
Strategy
Building B2B infrastructure API to enable iMessage automation for consumer-facing businesses. Targeting B2C startups that need high-volume customer outreach capabilities through Apple's messaging platform. Leveraging Y Combinator network and San Francisco ecosystem for early customer acquisition.
Tactics
Going through Y Combinator P26 batch for funding and mentorship. Relocated to San Francisco to be closer to target market of B2C startups. Building custom API pricing model rather than standard SaaS tiers to match enterprise infrastructure needs.
Competitive Positioning
Positioned as the infrastructure layer for iMessage business automation, differentiating from general messaging APIs by focusing specifically on Apple's ecosystem. Targeting the gap between consumer iMessage usage and business communication needs.
Marketing Approach
Leveraging Y Combinator network and demo day exposure for early customer acquisition. Using LinkedIn and Twitter presence to build awareness in startup community. Focusing on direct outreach to B2C startups that would benefit from iMessage automation.
Notable
Y Combinator P26 batch member, previously part of Photon Residency 2025
🔗 Source ↗Tech Stack
Next.js
ReactRecent News
Related Conversational AI Companies
Discovery Sources
Signals
“Size: 2-5 employees”
“User/customer count: Undisclosed (Working with early B2C startups)”
Evidence
Chert provides the infrastructure for teams to send, receive, and automate conversations over iMessage using APIs.
$500K pre-seed from Y Combinator