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Launch HN: Chert (YC P26) – Twilio for iMessage

Chert introduces an API designed to bring programmatic iMessage capabilities to businesses, mirroring Twilio's role for SMS. It tackles the significant hurdle of iMessage's lack of a native business API, allowing companies to tap into the high engagement of "blue bubble" conversations. This innovation promises to transform customer service, sales, and marketing by enabling more personalized and effective digital interactions at scale.

3
Score
4
Comments
#3
Highest Rank
4h
on Front Page
First Seen
May 25, 3:00 PM
Last Seen
May 25, 6:00 PM
Rank Over Time
6333

The Lowdown

Chert, a new Y Combinator-backed startup, offers an API that allows businesses to send, receive, and automate iMessage conversations at scale, effectively creating a "Twilio for iMessage." The founders, Gary and Ian, recognized the superior engagement of iMessage due to its user experience, including blue bubbles, typing indicators, and reactions, which make automated conversations feel more human than traditional SMS or RCS.

Key aspects of Chert's offering include:

  • Bridging the iMessage Gap: It provides an infrastructure solution for businesses to overcome the technical challenges of using iMessage, which lacks a native API for commercial use.
  • Scalable Business Communications: Chert targets high-volume use cases such as customer service, missed-call text-backs, cart abandonment, and inbound lead capture, particularly in verticals like home services, DTC brands, and property management.
  • Enhanced User Experience: Messages sent via Chert appear as "real blue bubbles" within the iMessage app, leveraging the trust and familiarity users have with the platform, and feature read receipts and tapbacks.
  • Robust Infrastructure: The API includes phone line health checks, SMS/RCS fallback systems for non-iMessage users, and automated line provisioning to scale from a few test lines to hundreds.
  • Integration Capabilities: Chert integrates with existing SMS/RCS systems, voice agents, and popular CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Attio, as well as tools like Slack.
  • Superior Deliverability: Unlike A2P SMS, iMessage is less susceptible to carrier filtering, offering higher open and reply rates, with Chert employing identity rotation and volume capping to prevent spam flags.

By providing an accessible API for iMessage, Chert aims to unlock a powerful new channel for businesses to engage with customers, promising significantly higher response rates compared to traditional methods like cold email or automated SMS.