Stock Stars

Vinny Smith
Founder
Toba Capital

THE MONEY: Gained about $800 million in 2012 from sale of Quest Software to Dell. Used proceeds to start Toba Capital, OC’s largest venture capital with $1.3 billion of assets under management.

BIG BREAK: Joined Quest in 1995, when it had 35 employees and $9.5 million in annual sales; became CEO in 1997.

KEY NUMBER: Was an early investor in Alteryx; has exited 24 companies that either have been sold or went public, including 13 exits topping $100 million. Is sole owner of Toba, which owns stakes in 40 tech and other companies.

PAST YEAR: Made pre-IPO investment in semi-truck battery maker Nikola. Started Gron Ventures, cannabis-focused fund that’s raised $150 million, including 65% from Toba. 2021 investments include Small Door Veterinary, a New York-based membership veterinary care company, and Alec’s Ice Cream, a maker of super-premium organic ice cream.

PHILANTHROPY: Supports more than 100 charities, including his own Teach a Man to Fish Foundation, which had $70.9 million in assets as of 2018, up from $21.8 million in 2012.

+11.5%
•     NET WORTH: $2.9 billion
•     LAST YEAR: $2.6 billion
•     SOURCE OF WEALTH: Quest,
    venture capital fund