Robert F. Smith is an investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Above all, he is a believer in human potential with a simple goal: to make the world a more equitable place. 

Throughout his lifetime, Smith has pushed himself to seize every opportunity. While still in high school, he was persistent in securing an internship at Bell Labs where he gained valuable experience. After earning his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University in 1985, Smith worked as an engineer before pivoting to finance after earning an MBA from Columbia Business School. Following Smith’s graduation, he joined Goldman Sachs before departing in 2000 to establish Vista Equity Partners (Vista). 

As the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista, Smith directs the firm's investment strategy, governance and investor relations. Vista is a leading global investment firm that exclusively invests in enterprise software, data and technology-enabled businesses. Aside from Vista, Smith is passionate about his philanthropic endeavors and uplifting communities that lack access to opportunities. In 2017, he became the first Black American to sign the Giving Pledge — a commitment to give away the majority of his wealth to support causes he cares about.

Over the years, Smith has helped establish several organizations that are committed to combating inequities. He is the founding director and President of Fund II Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the Black American experience and protecting human rights. Smith also 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. Additionally, Smith established Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), for which he currently serves as the Chairman. 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.

Throughout the last few decades, Smith has been recognized for his business achievements and philanthropic efforts. Smith was awarded the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award, the Legal Defense Fund’s National Equal Justice Award, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusive Capitalism (DEIC) Power 100 and more. He was also named by Forbes as one of the “100 Greatest Living Business Minds.” Additionally, Smith received the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy and was named one of TIME100’s Most Influential People.

There’s a lot of talk about an AI bubble. But what we’re really seeing is a breakthrough that will ultimately take shape through AI software and applications.

As I shared on CNBC’s Squawk Box, every major wave of technology brings excitement and speculation. We saw it with SaaS, mobile and cloud. Yet when the noise fades, what endures is real, compounding value.

So far, most of the investment has flowed into large language models, chips and data centers. These are essential to building the foundation. But as this infrastructure matures, we’re only beginning to reach the layer where value can ultimately be realized — software and applications. The capital being deployed today is expected to make it faster and more efficient to build and scale the next generation of AI solutions.

The leaders in this new era will stay focused on one mission: delivering real solutions to customers faster and more efficiently. They’ll embed AI deeply into their products, workflows and data — because that’s where I believe durable enterprise value will be created.

At Vista Equity Partners, we’ve seen this pattern before. Every wave of innovation rewards those who execute with discipline, applying new technology through data-driven insight, consistent process and a focus on performance.

Watch my full CNBC interview: https://bit.ly/483fv2e

Robert F. Smith

Founder, Chairman and CEO at Vista Equity Partners

Today, we pause to remember Nelson Mandela, who left us on this date in 2013. We honor the memory of South Africa's first democratically elected president and the timeless strength of his character — his unwavering commitment to justice, equality and human dignity.

Mandela’s journey, marked by 27 years of imprisonment for his anti-apartheid activism, teaches a profound lesson: that true leadership is forged in resilience and defined by selfless service. He believed that "what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others". For me, this principle is a guiding light. It underscores my belief that our success is measured by the positive impact we create for others and our communities.

His legacy presents a challenge to the current generation. In a world where inequality persists, Mandela asks us: "What have I done to improve the surroundings in which I live?" The answer lies in action. He showed us that "it is in your hands, to make a better world for all who live in it".

On this day of remembrance, let's commit to an act of service, extending a hand in our community or championing a cause that advances equality. Let's honor Madiba by living his values of forgiveness, unity and relentless hope. How will you answer Mandela's call to action today and make a positive impact in your community?

This Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for my family, their good health and the remarkable colleagues, partners and leaders I have the privilege of working alongside. Their dedication and shared commitment to progress are what move our mission forward every day and I remain inspired by how our team makes the impossible possible.

I am also grateful for the many investors who place their trust and confidence in me and our team at Vista Equity Partners. Our focus on enterprise software gives us a firsthand view on the many ways in which technology drives meaningful, lasting, positive impact in businesses, communities and economies. As we relentlessly seek to safeguard our investors’ capital, we are helping our portfolio companies utilize GenAI to deliver even greater value to their customers. We are also expanding pathways for more young people from all backgrounds to help shape our digital future.

This season, I hope we all take a moment to reflect on how our work can contribute to stronger, more accessible opportunities for the next generation. Wishing everyone a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude and purpose.

Vista Equity Partners

Giving Tuesday is a powerful reminder of how generosity can uplift communities and create lasting impact. It’s a moment to recognize the organizations and individuals driving positive change, whether through education, innovation or essential community support.

In a recent op-ed, Keith Shoates, President and CEO of Student Freedom Initiative, highlights how different forms of philanthropic support can improve the impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Strong endowments provide long-term stability, while flexible and unrestricted support allows schools to meet immediate needs, from student financial aid and internships to cybersecurity, campus infrastructure and broadband access. Investing in both endowments and flexible funding helps HBCUs succeed today while strengthening their foundation for the years ahead.

This #GivingTuesday, let’s give with purpose. By supporting both the immediate needs and long-term growth of HBCUs, we can help unlock opportunity, empower students and strengthen institutions that have been shaping leaders and communities for generations. Read more from Keith: https://bit.ly/48ffolC

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