Robert F Smith

Founder, Chairman and CEO, Vista Equity Partners
,United States
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Who Is Robert F Smith?

Total Experience42 years
CompanyVista Equity Partners
CountryUnited States

Robert F. Smith is an investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist dedicated to making the world more equitable. He is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, a leading global investment firm focused on enterprise software, data, and technology-enabled businesses. Beyond Vista, Smith is passionate about philanthropy, having established organizations like Fund II Foundation and Student Freedom Initiative to combat inequities and support Black American experiences and human rights. He co-leads Southern Communities Initiative, advancing racial equity in Southern U.S. communities. Smith has received numerous awards, including the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award and the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.

How Did Robert F Smith's Career Path Shape Their Journey?

Robert F Smith's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

Vista Equity Partners - Founder, Chairman and CEO(2000 to Present)
Goldman Sachs - Co-Head of Enterprise Systems and Storage(1994 to 2000)
Kraft Foods - Technical Manager(1990 to 1994)
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company - Engineer(1986 to 1988)
Nokia Bell Labs - Intern(1980 to 1984)

What Are Robert F Smith's Key Achievements?

Giving Pledge Signatory

Became the first Black American to sign the Giving Pledge, committing to give away the majority of his wealth to philanthropic causes.

Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners

Leads a leading global investment firm focused on enterprise software, data, and technology-enabled businesses.

Founding Director and President of Fund II Foundation

He is an organization dedicated to supporting the Black American experience and protecting human rights.

Co-leads Southern Communities Initiative (SCI)

A catalytic program that is dedicated to advancing racial equity in six Southern U.S. communities that are home to more than 50% of Black Americans.

Chairman of Student Freedom Initiative (SFI)

SFI provides eligible students at participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) with the academic, financial and professional support they need to thrive.

What's Robert F Smith's Educational Background?

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Finance

Columbia University - Columbia Business School - Year 1992

Bachelor’s Degree, Chemical Engineering

Cornell University College of Engineering

Buying Intent Signals for Robert F Smith

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Notable news
Hiring actively
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Company Overview

Vista Equity Partners
Total employees700
HeadquartersAustin
Founded2000

Vista Equity Partners is a leading global investment firm that exclusively invests in enterprise software, data and technology-enabled businesses. With a focus on long-term value creation, Vista partners with management teams to foster operational excellence and drive sustainable growth.

Vista Equity Partners Funding Information
Unknown - Total Funding Raised
Not applicable - Most recent funding amount
Not applicable - Number of funding rounds
Not applicable - Latest funding round

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