RF

Robert F. Smith

Founder of Vista Equity Partners

United States

Overview 

Robert F. Smith is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, a prominent private equity firm. His notable career highlights include leading successful investments in companies like Goalsetter and Reliance Jio, as well as supporting organizations such as Sphinx Organization and Morehouse College through grants. Smith holds a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from Cornell University.

Work Experience 

VE

Vista Equity Partners

  • Founder, Chairman and CEO

    2000 - Current

    Smith is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. He directs the firm’s investment strategy and decisions and oversees the transactions of its portfolio of enterprise software companies.

Vista Equity Partners is an investment firm that primarily invests in enterprise software that advances the digital economy.

vistaequitypartners.com
GS

Goldman Sachs

  • Co-Head of Enterprise Systems and Storage

    1994 - 2000

    Smith joined Goldman Sachs in 1994. In his position as Co-Head of Enterprise Systems and Storage, Smith managed merger and acquisition activity with companies including Apple, Microsoft and Yahoo.

Goldman Sachs is a multinational financial services firm providing securities, investment banking, and management services.

goldmansachs.com
KF

Kraft Foods

  • Technical Manager

    1990 - 1994

    Smith started working at Kraft Foods in 1990 as a Technical Manager. During his tenure at Kraft Foods, he was granted several patents, including two in the U.S. and two in Europe.

TG

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

  • Engineer

    1986 - 1988

    Smith began his career as an Engineer at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in 1986.

NB

Nokia Bell Labs

  • Intern

    1980 - 1984

    While in high school, Smith’s first professional experience was as an engineering intern at Bell Labs.

BL

Bell Laboratories, Inc.

  • Intern

    1980 - 1984

    While in high school, Smith’s first professional experience was as an engineering intern at Bell Labs.

Education 

Investments 

Goalsetter

Seed

Total funding: $39M

Reliance Jio

Private Equity

Total funding: $4.9B

Sphinx Organization

Grant

Total funding: $3M

Morehouse College

Grant

Total funding: $2M

Articles About Robert

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