Chris Ruder
Founder and CEO of Spikeball, the round-net lawn game turned competitive sport.
Chris Ruder's Bio
Chris Ruder discovered Spikeball in 2008 at a Chicago beach and recognized an opportunity to turn a casual toss game into a organized sport. He acquired the rights to the original patent, founded Spikeball Inc., and began selling sets out of his apartment.
The product's viral potential became clear through word-of-mouth, but Ruder's breakthrough came with a 2014 Shark Tank appearance that secured a deal with Daymond John. The exposure accelerated distribution and helped Spikeball move from beach toy to backyard staple.
Ruder then focused on building a competitive ecosystem, launching the Spikeball Roundnet Association in 2018 and sponsoring tournaments that turned players into fans. The sport now boasts national tours, college teams, and a growing international footprint.
By 2022, Spikeball had surpassed $100 million in lifetime revenue without taking traditional outside capital, a point Ruder highlighted on the 2023 Advice Line episode of How I Built This. He continues to lead the company while advocating for the sport's inclusion in broader athletic communities.
Career Timeline
2008 — Acquired Spikeball patent and founded Spikeball Inc
Turned a beach toss game into a structured business.
2014 — Appeared on Shark Tank, secured deal with Daymond John
Breakthrough media moment that accelerated distribution.
2018 — Launched Spikeball Roundnet Association tournaments
Built competitive ecosystem with national tours and college teams.
2022 — Reached $100M+ lifetime revenue milestone
Achieved major financial milestone without traditional outside capital.
2023 — Appeared on How I Built This: The Advice Line
Shared lessons on bootstrapping and building a sport around a product.
