#174: Michael Cannavo, Co-Founder & CMO of Super73, an American Lifestyle and Transportation Company, on Going Viral, Being the First of Their Kind, the Challenges of Running a Manufacturing Startup, and Building an Authentic Community

Michael Cannavo is the co-founder and CMO of Super73, an American lifestyle and transportation company that designs, manufactures, and distributes one of a kind California branded electric motorbikes. After a successful launch on Kickstarter in 2016, the SUPER73 brand has quickly grown into one of the most recognizable two-wheeled electric vehicle brands in the world, with a passionate customer base that includes the likes of Will Smith, Jaime Foxx, and Madonna. Based in Orange County, California, Super73's mission is to build the world's best electric motorbikes and cultivate a passionate community while providing an exceptional customer experience.

Michael specializes in viral marketing, social media content, and influencer partnerships. In the brief moments that his life isn't isn't revolving around the bright sun of Super73, he hosts a sci-fi podcast accompanied by multiple social media accounts.

Connect with Michael Cannavo

• Super73
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Super73 on Kickstarter
• LinkedIn
• Michael on Instagram
• Rexin Around

Some of the Topics Covered by Michael Cannavo in this Episode

• How Super73 got started
• Viral marketing and connecting with influencers
• Fundraising through Kickstarter and raising half a million dollars in 30 days
• Figuring out early manufacturing with 3 employees after suddenly selling 600 bikes
• Being the first of their kind
• Maintaining growth after going viral
• Shifting to overseas manufacturing
• Becoming a community brand
• Product development and Super73's current product offerings
• Challenges with distribution and developing a European version of the brand
• Developing authentic relationships
• The biggest challenge they've faced in growing Super73, especially during COVID
• From bootstrapping to raising their Series A and how Michael sees fundraising moving forward
• The challenges of being a manufacturing startup
• The Super73 App and what's next for the company
• The big vision for Super73
• Michael's book recommendations
• Michael's advice for entrepreneurs

Links from the Episode

• Casey Neistat's Super73 video
• Kickstarter
• Designboom
• New Atlas (previously Gizmag)
• Hypebeast
• Wefunder
• StartEngine
• Jesse Wellens on YouTube
• Rose Ave Super73
• Andy Milonakis on YouTube
• #168: Dejan Pralica, Co-Founder and CEO of SoleSavy, an Exclusive Sneaker Community, on Content Creation, Becoming the Amazon Prime for Sneakers, Building an Authentic Community, and Being a Sneakerhead
• Boosted
• Stance
• Super73 App
• Peloton
• Purple Cow by Seth Godin
• Jesse and Casey's Star Wars Speeder video