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John Erik Metcalf

John Erik Metcalf

Founder & CEO at Upgraded — device subscriptions and circular-economy

johnerik
Austin, Texas
Joined January 2025
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13.8K connections

Summary

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

Work

Education

Projects

Writing

Listening With Leaders — Driving Exceptional Team Performance (Episode 127)

November 1, 2023

Conversation about founding Upgraded, scaling teams and culture, Mandarin immersion background, and Upgraded's device-subscription model focused on affordability and circular hardware reuse.

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Upgraded — About & Author Profile

June 1, 2023

Company about page featuring John Metcalf's bio and an overview of Upgraded's mission to enable device subscriptions, upgrades, and refurbishment for a circular economy.

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John Metcalf — Founder of Upgraded, Enabling Circular Hardware

Feature highlighting John Metcalf's role founding Upgraded and the company's approach to device lifecycle, refurbishment, and sustainable hardware access.

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How to Really Build a Purpose — John Erik Metcalf (Podcast)

Discussion on building purpose-driven organizations, aligning product and mission, and practical leadership lessons for founders.

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Hobbies

Biking and outdoor activity; family-oriented posts x+1

Notes

BSBen Stevensonsaid
JEJohn Erik Metcalf
adds a unique and positive voice to Twitter discussions.

Oct 27, 2025