Robert F. Smith is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, an investment firm that specialises in enterprise software. Originally from Colorado, Smith began his career as an engineer before moving into finance, where he developed a focus on the tech industry.

Under Smith's leadership, Vista Equity Partners has grown significantly, currently managing over $100 billion in assets. The firm is known for its approach to improving operations and driving growth in its portfolio companies.

In a conversation with Steffen Pauls, Moonfare’s Founder and CEO, Smith shared his views on the rise of generative AI, the future of enterprise software, market trends in private equity and the advice he would give his younger self. Here are some of the highlights:

The vast potential of software: “Software continues to be the most productive tool introduced in the business economy in the last 50 years. Businesses have found that their next best purchase is to buy more software which can enable them to increase productivity and efficiency.  I thought that would be a good place to start investing capital. That’s why I started Vista.”

Seizing take-private opportunities: “For the first time in quite some time, enterprise software companies have become more affordable in public markets. That’s why we have completed many take-privates in the last 18 months. We look for companies that have product superiority and execution excellence capabilities but have, in some respects, fallen out of favour with public market investors who have turned their attention to generative AI-focused companies.”

Investing in private markets: “About 97% of software companies are private, and the vast majority of investors and consumers don’t really know that because people don’t necessarily talk about enterprise software. Privately owned software companies can take a longer-term view on the application of tools like generative AI, enabling them to better navigate innovation cycles.”

The importance of being curious: “The advice that I continue to support is to remain curious. Continue to expand the aperture of relationships early and learn from people who apply new thoughts and technologies, and see how you can apply them to the work you’re in.”