Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Gerardino.
Hi Christopher, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Back in 2019, I recognized a need in the market for a high-powered, high-performance electric bike that don’t sacrifice on their design. With my longtime friend Dominic, we immediately set out to develop an electric bike that focused on design, technology and performance. In that instant Ristretto Electric was born. Chris and Dominic assembled a small team that included DaVinci Designs in Denver, Colorado. DaVinci immediately began prototyping the 303FS Founders Edition that would mark the beginning of the company’s new vision.
At the same time, I began building relationships with critical component manufacturers that included motors, suspensions, and batteries. The result was a full-suspension, retro-style fat tire bike that offers a high-powered mid-drive electric motor along with a healthy dose of speed. After finishing the first prototypes, Ristretto opened their first showroom in Denver’s art district in Rino, Colorado, attracting the coveted attention of both motorcycle and biking enthusiasts alike.
With this new grassroots marketing campaign, Ristretto attracted their first strategic financing investment of $1M from SOL Global investment division House of Lithium. Helping to showcase the 303FS in their retail store SimplyEV, located in de Wyndood, Miami. After quickly reaching its fundraising goal on Indiegogo ($500K in less than 30 days), the team relocated to Austin, Texas. Ristretto now includes an experienced engineer and a strong marketing team focused on establishing a new benchmark with the next generation electric bike model, the 512 First Edition. On July 15, 2021 Ristretto officially announced joining forces with Detroit Bikes, one of America’s largest bike frame manufacturer for the production of the 303FS Founder Edition in Detroit, Michigan. This bike is sold out and is planning to start delivery in October.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
At Ristretto, we take pride in manufacturing our products in the US. This prioritization has brought unique learning opportunities for the organization. There have been moments in which production of our bikes required an all-hands- on deck effort from the entire team. We were fortunate to have built a dynamic working relationship with our production partners, and the insight gained will serve as key knowledge we will leverage going forward.
Additionally, as a startup, we have needed to be diligent in our fund raising efforts. There’ve been moments that required us to be scrappy financially. The strategic financial planning was imperative for the organization, especially as we continue to develop new models.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My professional career has been dedicated to designing products and spaces with a purpose. My approach to design has always been holistic, with the intention of creating a lasting impression through design. This desire to design for the future ultimately led to the genesis of Ristretto. I’m always searching, exploring, and challenging myself to push the envelope and stand out in the sea of sameness.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I like the walkability of downtown and the various areas for exploration either by foot or on my bike. I really like being able to ride my bike by Last Bird Lake and take in the 360 aerial views of the city. While I like that Austin is growing quite rapidly, that growth has come with steep housing rate hikes that I’m not a fan of.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ristrettoelectric.com
- Instagram: @ristretto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChM0pka1Jh5ZcosMHN0pYpQ/about
Image Credits
Daniel Fickle – Voca Films
