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.