Chris Bergman
Founder & CEO, Gylee Games | General Partner, The Fund Midwest
Chris Bergman is an entrepreneur, game developer, and venture investor who believes great companies and great games can be built right here in the Midwest.
As founder and CEO of Cincinnati-based Gylee Games, Chris turned his passion for game development into an independent studio. In 2025, his team released Ra Ra BOOM, a four-player cooperative action game for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, bringing years of creative vision and development to players around the world.
Chris's entrepreneurial journey began long before Gylee Games. He founded ChoreMonster, a Cincinnati startup acquired by Verizon in 2018, and went on to co-found The Fund Midwest, where he serves as a General Partner investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs. His experience spans building startups, raising capital, investing in founders, and navigating the challenges of bringing an independent game to market.
A Cincinnati native who returned home after pursuing opportunities on the coasts, Chris is passionate about building a sustainable creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Midwest. His work reflects a simple idea: talented developers shouldn't have to leave their communities to pursue ambitious careers.
As the 2026 Shawnee Game Conference keynote speaker, Chris brings a unique perspective as an entrepreneur, venture investor, and independent game developer. His journey from launching startups to shipping a commercial video game offers valuable insights for aspiring developers, established studios, and entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable businesses in the Midwest.
Outside of building companies and making games, Chris is also the co-owner of Cosmic Gorilla, a comic shop and bar in Cincinnati. In his spare time, he DJs as an EDM artist under the name Bergs, something he jokingly describes as "kinda cringe," but thoroughly enjoys.
SGC History
SGC 2026- Keynote Speaker