What does it take to build a top-performing growth equity firm in a market defined by hype cycles, capital oversupply, and shifting investor expectations? In this episode, host Linnea Jungnelius sits down with Brian Neider, Managing Partner at Lead Edge Capital, a $5B global growth equity firm behind category-defining companies like Toast, Spotify, Alibaba, and Duo Security. As one of the original builders of Lead Edge, Brian has spent two decades refining one of the most disciplined investing models in the industry — a framework rooted in focus, consistency, and an unrivaled network of 700+ operator LPs. From staying “militantly” true to your strike zone, to navigating the aftermath of the 2020–2021 capital cycle, to separating real AI traction from experimental noise, Brian breaks down what great investors and great firms do differently. For growth equity investors, founders, and anyone responsible for capital allocation, this conversation reveals why discipline compounds, how strategy integrity drives DPI, and what it truly means to build a fund that becomes a company. What You’ll Learn: • Why staying in your strike zone is the most underrated competitive advantage in growth equity. • How Lead Edge built a network of 700 operator LPs and activates them. • How to evaluate companies in the post–“growth at all costs” era. • What gross retention tells you that topline growth never will in regard to AI hype. • Why exit pathways must be defined upfront. • Urgency, clarity, and the ability to adapt without drifting are the best traits CEOs and teams can have. Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Guest Introduction: Brian Neider, Lead Edge Capital 04:00 From “Grow at All Costs” to Profitable Growth 05:32 Lead Edge 8: The Metrics That Matter 08:30 LP Priorities: DPI, TVPI, and IRR 10:48 Why DPI Is Critical in Today’s Market 11:58 Exit Strategy Design: Defining Paths Upfront 13:58 Disposition Committee: The Overlooked Advantage 16:00 Filtering AI Hype: Experimental Spend vs. Real Retention 20:12 The Bucket Analogy: Understanding AI Churn 23:00 Founding Lead Edge: Building the LP Network Differently 26:10 Scaling the Firm: From All-Hands to Specialization 30:20 Activating the LP Network: How It Works in Practice 33:40 The LP Flywheel: Sourcing, Diligence, and Portfolio Support 36:00 Value Creation Capabilities: GTM, HR, and AI Support 38:12 What Great CEOs Do: Urgency, Adaptability, Action 41:54 Designing Effective Boards: Functional + Industry Balance 44:30 Building Executive Teams: The Power of a Rigorous Hiring Process 46:06 What’s Next: The Future of Lead Edge & Market Opportunities 51:58 Lightning Round: Personal Reflections Resources: Brian Neider: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-neider-7774041/ Linnea Jungnelius: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linneajungnelius X: https://x.com/itslinnea Explore the Podcast: Spotify: https://acertitu.de/brian-neider-spotify-podcast Apple Podcasts: https://acertitu.de/brian-neider-apple-podcast Blog: https://acertitu.de/brian-neider-blog Found Value?👍 Tap Like. And Subscribe: https://acertitu.de/rate-brilliant-people-podcast Stay Updated on Acertitude: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Acertitude X: https://www.x.com/acertitude Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acertitude TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/brilliantpeoplepodWebsite: https://www.acertitude.com
