Transcript
Introduction
Patrick My guest today is Robert Smith, the founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. An engineer by training, Robert started Vista at the turn of the millennium and built it into one of the world's most successful software focused investment firms. We discussed the white space left in enterprise software investing, the importance of capital cycles, and what he's learned building an iconic investing franchise. Please enjoy my discussion with Robert Smith.
Guiding Principles For Software Investing
So Robert, I was toying with where to begin our discussion. And because we're in such an interesting market for software companies, let's say, if you just looked at public equities where multiples have come way down, my first question is one of perspective. You've been investing in software, maybe more specifically enterprise software, for a very long time. I think if you have to find the right pond to fish in, you found this pond earlier than most. Maybe just lend some perspective to us on what this market looks and feels like to you versus your long history backing these sorts of businesses.