Pack your bags and get ready, because the SXSWi panel, “Ditch the Valley, Run for the Hills,” is set for Sunday to discuss why entrepreneurs are no longer required to be in the Valley and where you should start your startup.

Panelist John Erik Metcalf is an entrepreneur and new venture enthusiast. He holds an Advertising degree from The University of Texas at Austin, with a heavy concentration in Computer Science and a research emphasis in STS (Science, Technology and Society). John is a Board Member and Co-Founder of Texas Ventures, a nonprofit focused on accelerating young businesses and entrepreneurs. He also co-founded Conjunctured, a coworking company, or ‘co-company’ that brings technology and startup culture to the forefront of the Austin community.

We met with John at the Conjunctured space on E. 7th Street to learn more about the collaborative entrepreneur community and his upcoming SXSWi panel.

“Ditch the Valley, Run for the Hills” will take place at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 15th in room C.