Early Life
Orlando Bravo was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and spent his early teens in Florida, where he pursued a career in tennis, training at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy. He returned to Puerto Rico to attend high school before moving on to Brown University, where he graduated with a B.A. in economics and political science in 1992. His early experiences in tennis instilled in him a strong work ethic and a competitive spirit that would later serve him well in the business world.
Rise to Success
Bravo's career began in mergers and acquisitions at Morgan Stanley. He joined Thoma Bravo's predecessor firm in 1997. At Thoma Bravo, Orlando Bravo led the acquisition of Prophet 21, the firm's first software deal. He became a partner at the age of 30. He led Thoma Bravo's early entry into software buyouts, building the firm into one of the largest software investors globally. His strategic investments in the software and technology sectors have been instrumental in the firm's growth.
Key Business Strategies
Bravo's investment strategy focuses on acquiring and growing software and technology companies. His firm, Thoma Bravo, specializes in enterprise software and technology-enabled services. Thoma Bravo has acquired numerous software companies, representing billions in enterprise value.
Philanthropy
Bravo is actively involved in philanthropy and is the Founder and Chairman of the Bravo Family Foundation. He committed $100 million to the Foundation's Rising Entrepreneurs Program (REP) to foster entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico. He has also contributed to humanitarian efforts, including providing aid after Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Fiona. He has endowed programs at Brown University and Stanford University.