Early Life
Holden Spaht, born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the son of educators. He attended Dartmouth College, where he earned a B.A. in economics, followed by studies in international politics at the University of Cologne on a Fulbright Scholarship. He later obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School. These educational experiences provided a strong foundation for his future career.
Rise to Success
Spaht began his career as an analyst at Morgan Stanley in New York. He subsequently held analyst and associate roles at Thomas H. Lee Partners in Boston and Morgan Stanley in London and San Francisco. In 2005, he joined Thoma Bravo, where he has been a key figure in the firm's growth. He is responsible for leading the firm's application software strategy, focusing on financial technology, e-commerce, and other sectors. Over his career, Spaht has held board seats and led numerous exits, playing a pivotal role in the digital transformation of enterprise software.
Key Business Strategies
Spaht's strategy at Thoma Bravo involves identifying and executing investments in the software and technology sectors. He focuses on driving innovation and profitable growth within portfolio companies. Spaht's approach includes collaborating with management teams, promoting operational excellence, and leveraging deep sector knowledge to guide strategic decisions. He has been at the forefront of numerous successful deals, contributing to Thoma Bravo's reputation as a leading private equity firm.
Philanthropy
Beyond his professional achievements, Spaht is deeply committed to philanthropy. He is the president and chair of the Spaht Family Foundation, established in 2019. The foundation supports causes such as mental health, the arts, environmental conservation, and humanitarian assistance. It is a lead donor to the Lindley Center at Washington and Lee University and has supported community development, education, and athletic initiatives.
