7 software companies owned by Black billionaire Robert F. Smith
Billionaire Robert F. Smith controls a tech empire through Vista Equity Partners. Here are seven major companies currently under his vast influence.
Robert F. Smith
How Robert F. Smith built a $107 billion software empire and became the wealthiest Black American
Robert F. Smith built Vista Equity Partners into a $107 billion software powerhouse. He is the wealthiest Black person in the United States.
Robert F. Smith's 2019 Morehouse gift inspires Atlanta's inaugural HBCU AwareFest to tackle student debt
Atlanta's inaugural HBCU AwareFest, inspired by Robert F. Smith's landmark $34 million Morehouse student debt gift, is raising funds to eliminate HBCU graduate debt.
Vista Equity Partners completes $800 million acquisition of Omnitracs, targets Roadnet next
Vista Equity Partners closed its $800 million purchase of Omnitracs and moved the same day to acquire fleet software maker Roadnet Technologies.
Robert F. Smith's Vista doubles down on aviation software with fresh investment in Portside
Robert F. Smith's Vista Equity Partners is deepening its bet on aviation software company Portside and installing a new chief executive to lead its expansion.
Robert F. Smith's Vista and Intel co-lead $350 million plus raise for AI chip startup SambaNova
Vista and Intel are co-leading a $350 million plus round for SambaNova, resetting the company after an Intel takeover did not happen.
Vista, led by billionaire Robert F. Smith, explores $1B-plus AlertMedia sale
Vista Equity has started exploring a possible $1 billion plus sale of AlertMedia, a Texas crisis messaging firm with big brand customers.
Black billionaire Robert F. Smith sees next AI growth in private software companies
Robert F. Smith sees private software companies driving the next wave of AI growth, with Vista Equity at the forefront.
Four black billionaires crack Forbes 400 as Oprah, Jay-Z, Tyler Perry miss cut
Forbes’ 2025 list sets a record $3.8B entry point. Only four black billionaires hit the mark—while Oprah, Jay-Z and Tyler Perry fall below the line.
Black billionaire Robert F. Smith-backed firm to hire up to 500 people
Jaggaer, backed by Robert F. Smith’s Vista, will expand in Hyderabad with plans to grow its workforce to 500 employees.
Black billionaire Robert F. Smith’s Vista targets $200 million savings through loan market pivot
Robert F. Smith’s Vista Equity pursues $200 million savings by swapping costly private debt for syndicated loans.
The world’s 23 Black billionaires in July 2025
Black billionaires near $100 billionaire net worth as AI, energy, and finance drive gains; Dangote and Karp lead the July 2025 ranking.
Vista, led by Black billionaire Robert F. Smith, exits Cvent with $1.3 billion sale
The sale comes a year after Blackstone took Cvent private in a $4.6 billion acquisition, finalizing its full ownership of the event software company.
Black billionaire Robert F. Smith’s Vista secures $5.6 billion to invest in cloud software
The technology-focused firm raised $2.7 billion in fresh capital, alongside $2.2 billion from existing flagship funds.
Vista, led by billionaire Robert F. Smith, to acquire Acumatica in nearly $2 billion deal
Vista Equity to acquire Acumatica in $2B deal, boosting AI-driven ERP growth for mid-sized businesses with strategic support from Robert F. Smith.
Vista, led by Black billionaire Robert F. Smith, explores $4 billion Granicus sale
While discussions are still in the early stages, Vista Equity Partners and Harvest Partners are aiming for a valuation of more than 20 times Granicus’ $175 million in EBITDA.