Thoma Bravo Founder Orlando Bravo Speaks on SaaS Opportunities at Semafor Event
Orlando Bravo, founder and managing partner of private-equity firm Thoma Bravo, addressed software-as-a-service companies at the Semafor World Economy event on Wednesday. He stated optimism for firms showing niche leadership and AI leverage amid lower valuations. Thoma Bravo manages $183 billion in assets and targets high-quality businesses with strong management and AI momentum.
Semafor# Thoma Bravo Founder Addresses SaaS Valuations at Semafor Event Orlando Bravo spoke at the Semafor World Economy event on Wednesday. Bravo is the founder and managing partner of Thoma Bravo, a private-equity firm with $183 billion in assets under management, Semafor reported.
He expressed bullishness on software-as-a-service companies that demonstrate leadership in a niche and the ability to leverage artificial intelligence, despite lower valuations this year.
Valuations of SaaS companies have taken a big hit this year in the stock market, Semafor reported. " Thoma Bravo seeks target companies that are the highest quality business in a particular space, usually the number one player.
Thoma Bravo's Investment Criteria Thoma Bravo requires target companies to have a management team with deep domain experience, Bravo stated.
The firm also requires target companies to have big momentum using AI to accelerate growth. " In 2025, Thoma Bravo acquired Jeppesen ForeFlight from Boeing Co. Jeppesen ForeFlight is a provider of aviation software for tracking planes and improving safety, Semafor reported.
This acquisition aligns with Thoma Bravo's focus on high-quality businesses in specific spaces.
Earlier Comments on AI and Venture Capital In January, Bravo said AI and venture capital firms that back them are in a bubble because people are taking enormous risks for small probabilities of enormous returns.
This statement provides context to his current views on AI leverage in SaaS companies. Bravo's remarks at the Semafor event highlight opportunities in the current market environment for firms meeting Thoma Bravo's criteria.
Story Timeline
4 events- 2026-04-15 (Wednesday)
Orlando Bravo spoke at Semafor World Economy event on SaaS opportunities and AI leverage.
1 sourceSemafor - 2025
Thoma Bravo acquired Jeppesen ForeFlight from Boeing Co.
1 sourceSemafor - 2026 (this year)
Valuations of SaaS companies took a big hit in the stock market.
1 sourceSemafor - January 2026
Orlando Bravo stated AI and venture capital firms are in a bubble due to high risks.
1 sourceSemafor
Potential Impact
- 01
Continued scrutiny of AI venture capital bubbles influencing funding decisions.
- 02
Increased acquisitions of SaaS firms by private equity like Thoma Bravo due to lower valuations.
- 03
Focus on AI-integrated SaaS companies may accelerate growth in niche markets.
- 04
Shift in investor sentiment toward SaaS with strong management and AI use.
- 05
Potential consolidation in aviation software sector following Jeppesen ForeFlight deal.
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