Mitch Free

Mitch Free brings exceptional entrepreneurial execution and deep manufacturing industry expertise to Afterburner Capital, combining successful business-building experience with technical innovation across advanced manufacturing and digital platforms.

As CEO and Founder of ZYCI CNC Machining, Mitch operates a technology-enabled precision manufacturing company serving aerospace, defense, medical, and robotics applications from a state-of-the-art 60,000 sq ft facility. ZYCI maintains AS9100/ISO9001 certification, ITAR registration, and Federal Firearms Manufacturing License, demonstrating Mitch’s ability to build and scale complex, highly-regulated manufacturing operations.

Mitch’s most significant entrepreneurial success came as sole founder of MFG.com, where he pioneered the digital transformation of manufacturing sourcing. Over 13 years as CEO and Chairman, he built MFG.com from an initial concept into the world’s largest online manufacturing marketplace, generating over $30M in revenue while operating in 14 languages and serving customers across 50 countries.

The platform facilitated billions of dollars in complex engineered parts sourcing and won a Department of Defense contract for “Connecting American Manufacturing,” providing infrastructure for a digitally connected American industrial base.

Mitch has successfully founded and exited multiple companies, including Fast Radius (additive manufacturing services, sold 2018) and 3DATUM (CAD/CAM software solutions, sold 2001). His technical foundation began as an apprentice machinist, progressing through Northwest Airlines where he developed reverse engineering capabilities for aircraft parts and earned multiple patents for automated inspection and repair systems.

Recognized as Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and featured in “The Great Disruption” as a co-author, Mitch regularly speaks at Northwestern, Harvard Business School, Wharton, and appears on CNBC and Fox Business as a manufacturing industry thought leader.

At Afterburner Capital, Mitch’s unique combination of operational manufacturing expertise, digital platform experience, and proven track record of building and scaling businesses enables sophisticated due diligence for manufacturing and industrial technology investments. His deep industry network and hands-on experience with complex manufacturing operations provide invaluable support for portfolio company growth strategies, operational optimization, and technology integration initiatives.