Vista looking for AI investments across Middle East, Smith says

Vista Equity Partners, the $110 billion Texas firm founded by tech investor Robert F. Smith, is settling in at its new office in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s financial district.

Establishing a base in the UAE capital’s Abu Dhabi Global Market, Smith said in a LinkedIn post on Monday, reflects Vista’s desire to participate in the rapid growth of AI infrastructure in the Middle East.

“We look forward to engaging with Abu Dhabi’s broader innovation landscape, connecting our portfolio companies with the market, ecosystem partners and growth opportunities emerging across the region,” said Smith, who is the firm’s Chairman and CEO.

Smith said he met ADGM Chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi while attending the Milken Institute Global Summit in Los Angeles earlier this month. He included a photo of himself and Al Zaabi together in the LinkedIn post.