Vinny Smith
Vincent Coburn Smith Jr | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1964 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, CEO, investor |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Known for | Founder of Toba Capital, former CEO of Quest Software |
Vincent Coburn Smith Jr (born 1964) is a prominent American entrepreneur, billionaire, former chief executive officer of Quest Software, and the founder of Toba Capital.
Education
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Smith completed his secondary education at Mount Saint Joseph High School before obtaining a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Delaware.
Career
Following his 1986 graduation, Smith began his professional journey as a software engineer and sales executive at Oracle Corp. In 1992, he co-established Patrol software, which was acquired by BMC Software, Inc. for $34 million within two years.
Smith played a pivotal role in the creation of Insight Partners in 1995 and spearheaded its investment in Quest Software. He assumed the position of CEO at Quest in 1998 and led the company through its initial public offering in 1999. By the time Dell acquired Quest in 2012, the firm employed over 4,000 individuals worldwide and generated close to $1 billion in annual revenue.
In 2013, Smith founded Toba Capital, an investment company managing assets exceeding $3.5 billion, primarily sourced from his family office. Toba Capital concentrates on technology and sustainability sectors through venture capital, growth equity, public equities, and real estate investments. The firm has executed more than 200 direct venture deals and supported upwards of 50 external funds.
In 2021, Smith initiated a venture aimed at expanding the inland surfing industry, with its inaugural project—the Palm Springs Surf Club—planned to open in 2023.
Philanthropy
Smith has pledged half of Toba Capital’s returns to support foundations dedicated to sustainable investments and philanthropic activities. The other half is reinvested into enterprises that create quality employment opportunities and foster transformative market changes benefiting society.
His primary philanthropic organizations include Teach a Man to Fish and Walking Softer. Walking Softer promotes the advancement of an economy based on circularity, conservation, and renewal principles that harmonize long-term environmental stewardship with profitability.
Personal life
Smith resides with his wife, Tori Smith, splitting time between Austin, Texas, and Jackson, Wyoming. They are parents to five children. He is passionate about outdoor sports such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, surfing, and golf.
Recognition
- In 1999, Smith was ranked ninth on Fortune’s 40 under 40 list
- In January 2000, he appeared at number 129 on the Forbes 400 Wealthiest Americans list
- In January 2001, he held the 320th position on the Forbes 400 Wealthiest Americans list