About Robert F. Smith

Robert F. Smith, smiling in a suit and blue tie

Business leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist Robert F. Smith is an avid supporter of the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF). His philanthropic efforts have helped advance critical research and development in early detection of prostate cancer. For example, the Robert Frederick Smith Precision Oncology Center of Excellence at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago, IL, and the Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit in New York City expand access to life-saving treatment and preventive care.

Learn more about his other philanthropic efforts.

From Engineer to Entrepreneur

Smith earned a degree in chemical engineering from Cornell University in 1985. After several years at companies like Goodyear and Kraft, he earned his MBA from Columbia Business School. Smith then joined Goldman Sachs, where he specialized in technology mergers and acquisitions. In 2000, he founded what has since become a leading global technology investment firm, Vista Equity Partners (Vista). Smith serves as Founder, CEO and Chairman of Vista. Vista invests in enterprise software (B2B SaaS) across private equity and private credit. The firm also offers private wealth solutions to eligible investors and financial advisors. Throughout his career as an engineer and entrepreneur, Smith has remembered the values instilled in him by his parents — principles of community engagement and a commitment to helping others. These values have driven his support of the PCF and other organizations like it.

Smith Polygenic Risk Test for Prostate Cancer

In July 2020, Smith and the PCF announced a new effort to develop a genetics-based test for early detection of prostate cancer. The test is especially helpful in detecting early-stage disease. A study led by the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, with support from Smith, identified nine genetic markers that allow physicians to identify at-risk men before they develop the disease. This evidence will help inform the next phase of early detection and precision medicine efforts aimed at saving lives. The long-term goal for the test is to keep it affordable and accessible to all men. It is available through PCF’s Center of Excellence network at Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers across the U.S.

Learn More About the Smith Polygenic Risk Test.

The Robert Frederick Smith Precision Oncology Center of Excellence

In 2018, Smith made the largest donation ever in support of prostate cancer research aimed at helping at-risk men. His $2.5 million gift led to the establishment of the Robert Frederick Smith Precision Oncology Center of Excellence in Chicago, IL, located at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.

The gift is focused on enhancing access to prostate cancer care for those from at-risk communities. Smith stated, “I am delighted to support the lifesaving work of accelerating promising medical research to serve our nation’s veterans who urgently need better treatments and cures and access to cutting-edge precision oncology.”

Read More About Smith’s 2018 Gift.

More About Smith’s Philanthropy

Smith is a long-time supporter of causes and organizations focused on healthcare, educational programs and cultural initiatives. He was the first Black individual to sign the Giving Pledge, in which he promised to give away the majority of his wealth during his lifetime. He is also the founding director and President of Fund II Foundation, an organization that is dedicated to advancing social change. To further fulfill his mission to help others, Smith co-leads Southern Communities Initiative (SCI), a catalytic consortium to accelerate wealth creation and economic growth in six Southern communities through locally led, measured and sustained initiatives.

In 2019, during his Morehouse College commencement address, he committed to eliminating the student loan debt of the graduating class. Later, Smith expanded his gift to eliminate the student loan debt held by the students’ guardians on their behalf. His extraordinary pledge inspired Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), of which he serves as the Chairman. SFI works to provide educational resources and help relieve the burden of student loan debt for qualifying STEM students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).

Some of the other organizations and boards Smith supports include:

  • Grand Slam Track Board of Directors (Member)
  • Carnegie Hall Board of Trustees (Chairman)
  • Cornell Engineering College Council (Member)
  • Columbia Business School Board of Overseers (Member)
  • World Economic Forum EDISON Alliance (Founding Member)

Smith has also provided significant support to the United Negro College Fund and internXL, among other organizations. Smith’s philanthropic work has led to numerous recognitions, including the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, theGrio’s Philanthropy Icon Award, the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award and Committee for Economic Development’s Distinguished Leadership Award. In recognition of Smith’s innovative approach to investing in software businesses and his leadership in the asset management industry, he was also listed among Forbes’ 100 Greatest Living Business Minds in 2017.

Stay up to date with Smith’s latest philanthropic endeavors by following him on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and subscribing to his YouTube channel.