John Erik Metcalf

Founder and operator focused on product-led businesses that combine consumer finance and circular‑economy hardware flows. John leads Upgraded, which offers device subscription programs (monthly payments, scheduled upgrades, and device refurbishment) and positions itself as a digital‑first retailer that keeps used devices in circulation rather than landfills. getupgraded+2

Serial entrepreneur with product, operations, and data experience across startups and international markets. Earlier ventures include Demand Analytics (e‑commerce analytics, exited to Groupon in 2013) and founding coworking/community projects in Austin and Shanghai (Conjunctured, Startup District, 88 Spaces), showing repeated founding/operator experience and community building. getupgraded+2

Background in product, marketing, and Mandarin immersion supports cross‑cultural, product‑focused leadership. Biographical summaries highlight a UT Austin education (Advertising + Computer Science), Mandarin study in Beijing, an EIR role at Arbor Ventures in Hong Kong, and roles in product/data at companies such as Radius and Tiny Pictures. pitch+2

Active community and public speaker — participates in entrepreneur networks and events (SXSW, MIT Global Startup Workshop), and was named a World Economic Forum Global Shaper. He also shares product and company updates publicly via social channels and media interviews. getupgraded+2