Workflow platform backed by America’s richest Black man acquires AI firm, Drift

Salesloft, the AI-powered revenue workflow platform backed by Vista Equity Partners, the global technology investment firm led by America’s richest Black billionaire, Robert F. Smith, has announced the acquisition of Drift, the buyer experience and Conversational AI company.

The strategic integration aims to reshape B2B buyer engagements and amplify the capabilities of both companies in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. The collaboration between Salesloft and Drift positions the combined entity to deliver a personalized, omnichannel buyer journey enhanced by AI, fostering an optimal buying experience.

With nearly 6,000 global customers and a widespread presence in key international locations, including Atlanta, Boston, Tampa, San Francisco, London, Warsaw, Capetown, South Africa, and Guadalajara, Mexico, the merger solidifies the companies’ commitment to driving higher quality pipeline and revenue outcomes.

Salesloft and Drift unite to revolutionize B2B customer experience with AI

Commenting on the acquisition, David Obrand, CEO of Salesloft, expressed, “This acquisition will fundamentally change how B2B buyers and sellers engage, but also how sales and marketing teams come together to drive pipeline efficiency and revenue outcomes.”

The combined vision of Salesloft and Drift aims to revolutionize the customer experience, addressing the growing expectations of B2B buyers in the era of evolving AI technologies.

Scott Ernst, CEO of Drift, highlighted, “Salesloft shares our vision for the future of go-to-market, and together we will accelerate our ability to transform the entire customer experience.” The merger marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI-driven platforms, uniting two entities dedicated to innovation and enhancing buyer interactions.

Vista Equity Partners, powering forward with $101 billion in assets under management

In January 2022, Vista Equity Partners completed the acquisition of Salesloft in a $2.3 billion deal, marking the beginning of a series of strategic acquisitions aimed at fortifying the technology investment firm’s global presence.

Under the leadership of Robert F. Smith, Vista Equity Partners has demonstrated an impressive track record in the technology sector, executing 18 monetization events valued at $18 billion since Nov. 30, 2021.

With a total of 85 companies invested in and over 610 transactions completed, Vista Equity Partners boasts assets under management reaching $101 billion. Robert F. Smith’s net worth stands at $11.4 billion, reinforcing his status as America’s richest Black person and one of the world’s Black billionaires.