Robert F. Smith
Founder of Vista Equity Partners
Robert F. Smith
Founder of Vista Equity Partners
United States
Overview
Work Experience
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.
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.
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.
Engineer
1986 - 1988
Smith began his career as an Engineer at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in 1986.
Intern
1980 - 1984
While in high school, Smith’s first professional experience was as an engineering intern at Bell Labs.
Intern
1980 - 1984
While in high school, Smith’s first professional experience was as an engineering intern at Bell Labs.