Robert F. Smith

Robert F. Smith is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, a leading global investment firm specializing in enterprise software, data, and technology-enabled businesses. He is a prominent philanthropist, known for his $34 million gift to pay off student loan debt for the Morehouse College Class of 2019. Smith is the founding director and President of Fund II Foundation, which supports the Black American experience and human rights. He co-leads the Southern Communities Initiative (SCI) and chairs the Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), providing financial and academic support to students at HBCUs and MSIs. Smith frequently shares insights on AI, technology, and leadership through interviews, public speaking, and his book 'Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.' His content focuses on philanthropy, technology, and leadership, often highlighting his commitment to equity and innovation.