Philanthropist, investor, industry leader and entrepreneur Robert F. Smith has used his platform to create opportunities for communities across the U.S. Through his support, individuals are empowered to pursue academic and professional excellence. As part of that commitment, Smith serves as the founding director and President of Fund II Foundation. The charitable nonprofit provides grants to public charities that support lasting progress and opportunity in underrepresented communities across a range of priorities.
As the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners (Vista), Smith’s vision for the future of the global digital economy centers on creating greater access to opportunity and empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders. One of Smith’s strengths is his ability to find solutions to complex problems — a skill he credits to his experience as a chemical engineer.
Smith has long recognized the important role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), whose graduates become the next generation of leaders. At his commencement address to the Morehouse College Class of 2019, Smith committed to eliminating the student loan debt held by the students, a gift he later expanded to include the debt held by their guardians on their behalf. He realized that freeing graduates from the burden of debt could unlock their full potential, empowering them to create, innovate and uplift their communities. This idea led to the creation of Student Freedom Initiative (SFI).
Through SFI, Smith wanted to help solve the lack of intergenerational wealth in underrepresented communities through the lens of education. A significant amount of wealth in these communities is consumed by the servicing of student loan debt, which also forces many graduates to delay buying a home, starting a family or creating a business. Smith now serves as the Chairman of SFI, which launched in the fall of 2021. SFI provides financial and other forms of support to students at various HBCUs, other MSIs and TCUs. Through its extensive array of programs, SFI continues to be a catalyst for freedom in professional and life choices for students at participating universities, helping increase their social and economic mobility.
Smith grew up in Denver, CO, as the son of two educators who were deeply committed to ensuring that he and his brother received a quality education. While attending high school, Smith was persistent in his quest to obtain an internship to continue growing his skills. He was initially denied a prestigious opportunity at Bell Labs that was reserved for college students. However, he ended up securing the role and spent the next several summers at Bell Labs.
Smith enrolled in Cornell University in 1981, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. After graduation, Smith worked as an engineer at various companies, including Goodyear Tire and Rubber and Kraft General Foods. After years of working as an engineer, Smith wanted to expand his knowledge in finance and investments. He went on to attend Columbia Business School, where he graduated with an MBA with honors. Following graduation, Smith joined Goldman Sachs, where he managed a variety of mergers and acquisitions with a particular focus on the tech space. In 2000, he founded Vista.
Vista is a leading global investment firm that exclusively invests in enterprise software (B2B SaaS). The firm invests through private market strategies, including private equity and private credit, seeking to generate differentiated returns for its investors. Vista also offers private wealth solutions to provide eligible investors with the ability to allocate to the software market. Vista has received numerous honors over the years, including being named Private Equity International’s 2023 Global Technology Private Equity Firm of the Year.
Through his philanthropy, Smith helps advance access to education, career pathways and initiatives to drive lasting social impact. Motivated by his commitment to expanding opportunity, Smith personally contributed $50 million to launch SFI, matching a $50 million donation from Fund II Foundation.
He has also supported other institutions, including his alma maters, through funding aimed at expanding opportunities. In 2016, the Engineering College at Cornell University received $20 million from Smith, with another $10 million for STEM scholarships. In 2022, Smith contributed an additional $15 million to Cornell University to be split between several namesake funds that benefit undergraduate and graduate students. At Columbia University, he provided $15 million in 2017 to help expand the institution’s Manhattanville campus. In 2022, Smith gifted an additional $10 million to the Robert F. Smith ‘94 Scholarship Fund.
Smith also co-leads Southern Communities Initiative (SCI). SCI is a program dedicated to accelerating wealth creation and economic growth in six Southern communities through locally led, measured and sustained initiatives.
Among his honors, Smith counts two firsts. He was the first Black American to sign the Giving Pledge in 2017, committing to invest more than half of his net worth in philanthropic causes. Smith was also elected as the first Black Chairman of the board of Carnegie Hall in 2016, where he has served as a board member since 2013. Smith serves on the Columbia Business School’s Board of Overseers, is a member of the Cornell Engineering College Council and is a member of the Grand Slam Track Board of Directors. He is also a founding member of the World Economic Forum EDISON Alliance and a member of the Council for Inclusive Capitalism.
Smith is also a regular contributor to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and the Aspen Ideas Festival. Smith is also a contributor to the book “Lead Boldly,” where he reflects on the importance and impact of the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how they continue to play a pivotal role in his leadership journey.
Over the years, Smith has received several awards and honors that include: