When you hear “NetSuite,” you might think of accounting software, cloud ERP, or that thing your finance team won’t stop talking about. But behind the screens, spreadsheets, and dashboards, there’s a man who started it all — Evan Goldberg.
He’s not just the founder of NetSuite; he’s the reason your CFO sleeps better at night and your IT department doesn’t need another migraine pill.
Before cloud computing became cool, Goldberg was already way ahead of the curve — like that one kid in class who finishes the project a week early and adds a PowerPoint animation just for fun.
Today, NetSuite is a multi-billion-dollar business and a key part of Oracle, but the journey started much humbler — in a small office, with one big idea: put business management entirely on the internet.
So let’s dig in and learn how Evan Goldberg turned a simple dream (and maybe a few late-night coding marathons) into one of the most successful SaaS stories of all time.
Who Is Evan Goldberg?
Evan Goldberg isn’t your typical corporate executive. He’s more of a coder-turned-visionary, with a touch of Silicon Valley humor and an impressive resume. Before founding NetSuite in 1998, Goldberg worked under the legendary Larry Ellison at Oracle.
Let’s just say that relationship turned out to be very convenient — especially since Oracle ended up buying NetSuite for around $9.3 billion in 2016. Talk about coming full circle.
Goldberg has always been passionate about making life easier for businesses.
Back in the late ’90s, when everyone was obsessed with dot-com startups and pet websites, he was busy building something much bigger: a cloud platform that could handle accounting, CRM, inventory, and more — all in one place. He basically invented the concept of “business in the browser.”
The Birth of NetSuite
It all began with a bold idea and a bit of funding from a familiar face — Larry Ellison himself. Evan Goldberg and a small team set out to create an online accounting system.
That idea quickly expanded into what we now know as NetSuite, one of the world’s first fully integrated business management suites on the cloud.
The early days were anything but glamorous. Internet connections were slow, cloud computing was a new term, and convincing people to trust their data online was like asking someone to store their diary on the internet (wait… we all do that now, don’t we?).
But Goldberg’s vision held strong, and NetSuite became a pioneer that defined an entire industry.
Why NetSuite Became a Game Changer
NetSuite wasn’t just another software — it was a revolution. Businesses could finally access real-time financial data, automate processes, and scale without having to install anything.
Goldberg’s design philosophy focused on simplicity, flexibility, and integration — three words that made CFOs across the world sigh with relief.
Here’s a quick look at what makes NetSuite stand out:
| Feature | Description | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud-Based ERP | All-in-one platform accessible anywhere | Eliminates local servers and IT headaches |
| Real-Time Data | Live business insights at your fingertips | Enables faster, smarter decision-making |
| Customizable Modules | Finance, CRM, eCommerce, HR, and more | Fits businesses of all sizes and industries |
| Seamless Integration | Connects with other systems easily | Saves time and reduces data errors |
| Scalable Platform | Grows with your business | Future-proof investment |
Goldberg’s vision wasn’t just about software — it was about empowering companies to work smarter, not harder.
Evan Goldberg’s Leadership Style
Evan Goldberg isn’t your suit-and-tie CEO. He’s known for being approachable, witty, and genuinely passionate about technology. In interviews, he often jokes about how his coding roots still influence how he runs things at NetSuite.
Under his leadership, NetSuite has maintained that startup energy — even as part of Oracle.
He encourages experimentation, transparency, and a culture that blends Silicon Valley innovation with enterprise-level discipline. Think of it as a perfect mix of caffeine and spreadsheets.
Fun Facts About Evan Goldberg and NetSuite
- Evan Goldberg originally wanted to build a web-based home office management system — NetSuite just kind of happened on the way.
- Larry Ellison, Oracle’s founder, was NetSuite’s first investor and biggest fan.
- The company’s first office was tiny — Goldberg once joked it was “just big enough for one desk and a dream.”
- NetSuite went public in 2007, making Goldberg one of the early SaaS pioneers to hit Wall Street.
- Even after Oracle’s acquisition, Goldberg stayed on as Executive Vice President, proving he’s still got plenty of fuel in the tank.
The Legacy of Evan Goldberg
Today, NetSuite powers thousands of businesses worldwide, from startups to global giants. What Evan Goldberg built wasn’t just a product — it was an ecosystem that helped shape how the world does business online.
He’s one of those rare tech leaders who combined innovation with practicality. Goldberg understood that businesses don’t just need tools — they need systems that think with them. That’s why NetSuite remains a leader in cloud ERP long after its competitors tried (and often failed) to catch up.
Conclusion
Evan Goldberg’s story isn’t just about coding or entrepreneurship — it’s about vision, persistence, and the belief that the internet could handle more than just cat videos.
From his early days at Oracle to his groundbreaking work with NetSuite, Goldberg proved that great ideas don’t just change industries — they redefine them.
So the next time your company’s financial dashboard loads perfectly in the cloud, you can thank the man who dared to think big before “the cloud” was even a thing.
Evan Goldberg didn’t just make NetSuite — he made business software cool (well, as cool as accounting can get).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Evan Goldberg?
Evan Goldberg is the founder and Executive Vice President of NetSuite, a cloud-based business management platform now owned by Oracle.
2. What is NetSuite best known for?
NetSuite is best known for being one of the first cloud ERP systems, helping businesses manage finances, CRM, inventory, and eCommerce all in one place.
3. When was NetSuite founded?
NetSuite was founded in 1998 by Evan Goldberg with investment support from Oracle’s Larry Ellison.
4. Why did Oracle acquire NetSuite?
Oracle acquired NetSuite in 2016 to strengthen its position in the cloud computing market and leverage NetSuite’s strong mid-market ERP presence.
5. Is Evan Goldberg still involved with NetSuite?
Yes, Evan Goldberg continues to lead NetSuite as Executive Vice President at Oracle, ensuring the company keeps innovating while staying true to its original mission.
6. What made NetSuite different from other software at the time?
NetSuite was revolutionary because it brought all business operations — from accounting to customer management — to the cloud long before competitors did.
7. Does Evan Goldberg have other ventures besides NetSuite?
While NetSuite remains his main focus, Goldberg is also known for supporting philanthropic initiatives and promoting tech innovation.