Robert F. Smith

Robert F. Smith

Robert F. Smith (#330)

Global Rank #330
Country Rank #129
Country United States

We are only bound by the limits of our own conviction. We can transcend the script of a pre-defined story, and pave the way for the future that we design. We just need to tap that power, that conviction, that determination within us.

  • $ 10 B
  • Private equity
  • United States
  • M
  • 63 Years

Snapshot

Quick Facts

Global Rank #330
Country Rank #129
Net Worth $10.0B
Previous Worth $10.0B
Worth Change +$0.0B
Country United States
Industry Private equity
Age 63 Years
Gender M
Worth As Of May 4, 2026
Residence Austin, Texas
Citizenship United States
World Billionaires List United States Billionaires Private equity

Profile Data

Personal Stats

Age 63
Source Of Wealth Private equity, Self Made
Self Made Score 8
Philanthropy Score 2
Residence Austin, Texas
Citizenship United States
Marital Status Married
Children 7
Education Master of Business Administration, Columbia University; Bachelor of Arts/Science, Cornell University
Net Worth Change +$0.0B +0.0% from previous worth
Previous Net Worth $10.0B
Current Net Worth $10.0B

Worth as of May 4, 2026

About Me

Robert F. Smith founded private equity firm Vista Equity Partners in 2000. It focuses exclusively on investing in software companies. With about $100 billion in assets, Vista is one of the best-performing private equity firms, posting annualized returns of 31% since inception. In 2020, Smith entered into an agreement with the DOJ and the IRS, agreeing to pay $139 million for his role in a tax evasion scheme. As a college student, Smith secured an internship at Bell Labs after calling the company every week for five months. An engineer by training, he worked at Kraft Foods and Goodyear Tire before getting his MBA at Columbia University. During a commencement speech, Smith vowed to wipe out the student debt of the entire 2019 graduating class of Morehouse College.

Achievements

Forbes List Highlights

A snapshot of the list placements and rankings connected to Robert F. Smith.

#341
Billionaires (2026)
Ranked
ForbesBLK 50: The Money Masters (2026)
#123
Forbes 400 (2025)

Insights

Did You Know?

Smith is the first African-American to sign the Giving Pledge, a commitment to contribute the majority of his wealth to philanthropic causes.

Smith gave $20 million to the National Museum of African American History in 2016.

Wealth Growth

Net Worth Growth Over Time

Tracking Robert F. Smith's net worth journey over the years, highlighting key growth phases and financial milestones.

Worth Trend Net Worth Growth
Period Change Worth Movement
Current Net Worth: $10.0B (May 4, 2026)

© Iconic Billionaires