How does a kid with ADD, average grades, and an obsession with persistence build one of the world's most unique growth equity firms?

In Episode 40 of Forged in America, Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein sit down with Mitchell Green, founder of Lead Edge Capital, a $9B growth equity firm built on an unconventional idea: world-class entrepreneurs and executives can be more valuable than institutions.

Mitchell explains how cold calling 10,000 companies shaped his philosophy, why persistence beats intelligence, why AI may reward EQ more than IQ, and why America still remains the greatest place in the world to build something meaningful.

This episode explores entrepreneurship, AI, education, wealth inequality, persistence, investing, and what young people should do if they want to succeed in the next twenty years.

00:00 Introduction to Mitchell Green and Lead Edge Capital
03:15 Building a $9B firm with entrepreneurs instead of institutions
08:45 Why persistence became Lead Edge's superpower
14:10 The cold-calling lessons that shaped Mitchell's career
19:45 What young people should do if they want to get rich
22:00 Why trades, entrepreneurship, and sales skills matter more than ever
24:30 Why AI may make EQ more valuable than IQ
30:10 Wealth inequality, manufacturing, and why many Americans feel left behind
36:20 Politics, opportunity, and preserving the American dream
41:00 Lightning round: leverage, founder optimism, AI bubbles, and investing
47:30 Why reading still matters in an AI world
51:00 Cars, skiing, persistence, and living life fully

Persistence may be the single most underrated competitive advantage
AI will likely reward communication, sales, and EQ more than raw intellect
Building networks creates enormous compounding advantages
Entrepreneurship remains one of the best paths to opportunity
Many economic frustrations in America are real—but solutions are complicated
You do not need the perfect background to build something extraordinary

Mitchell Green is the founder and managing partner of Lead Edge Capital, a growth equity firm with over $9 billion under management. Lead Edge has invested across software, internet, fintech, and consumer businesses using a unique network-driven investment model powered by hundreds of executives, founders, and operators.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.