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Overview
Vista Equity Partners is a Texas-based private equity firm with an AUM of $96B. Vista is well known for its focus on technology investing and is one of the most prominent software private equity firms in the world. Vista has a strong focus on enterprise software, data, and technology companies. Vista was founded by and is led by Robert Smith.
Vista invests in strategies including Private Equity, Permanent Capital (long-term investments), Credit, and Public Equity.
In 2022, Vista was recognized for being amongst the most founder-friendly investment firms.
Remember that in order to craft a great answer to the common question "Why this Firm?", it's your responsibility to read articles and speak with employees. If you are interviewing with Vista Equity Partners, you should make sure you know:
1 deal that the investment team you are recruiting with has done
1 person at the firm (ideally someone who would have influence over your recruiting process)
1 business model-specific detail to mention
We explain how to answer qualitative questions and research private equity firms in our Private Equity Course. We also teach how to build LBO models and prepare for case study interviews.
Selected Transaction
In line with its technology focus, Vista Equity Partners entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the remaining stake of cybersecurity training firm KnowBe4.
Transaction Description: Vista Equity Partners Management, LLC proposed to acquire remaining stake in KnowBe4, Inc. (NASDAQ:KNBE). KnowBe4 received a non-binding proposal from Vista Equity Partners to acquire all outstanding shares of KnowBe4 for $24 per share.
Transaction Value: $4.6B, all cash
Transaction Date: Announced September 2022
Fact Sheet
Company Name: Vista Equity Partners
Description: Vista Equity Partners is an American investment firm focused on financing and forwarding software, data, and technology-enabled startup businesses
Firm Category: Private Equity / Upper Middle Market
Status: Vista Equity Partners is a privately held company
Founded: 2000
Assets Under Management: $96B
Flagship Fund Size: Vista Equity Partners Fund VII ($16B raised in 2019)
Chief Executive Officer: Robert Smith
Headquarters: Austin, USA
Resources
Based on the H1B Database, the average base salary for a Private Equity Associate at Vista is $80k - $120k. We note that this salary information may be dated and not reflective of their current pay.