Dado Banatao, one of the pioneers of Silicon Valley’s chip industry, has passed away at age 79.
Diosdado “Dado” Banatao was a well-known electrical engineer and Silicon Valley entrepreneu who became one of the most influential Filipinos in global technology. He died on Christmas Day after complications from an undisclosed neurological disorder, according to Business Inquirer.
Banatao’s family announced his death on Friday on a website for him.
“The Banatao Family regrets to share the sad news that our beloved Dado passed peacefully on December 25, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. He was five months shy of his 80th birthday, and ultimately succumbed to complications from a neurological disorder that hit him late in his life,” the family said.
The family added, “We are mourning his loss, but take comfort from the time spent with him during this Christmas season, and that his fight with this disease is over. We thank everyone for all the messages of support and prayers during this time.”
He was perhaps the most prominent Silicon Valley of Fililpino descent.
He grew up in the farming town of Iguig in Cagayan province. Banatao earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Mapua Institute of Technology. He then earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science at Stanford University in California.
As an engineer, Banatao went developed vital technologies such as the first 10-Mbit Ethernet CMOS chip and system logic chipsets for the IBM PC-XT and PC-AT. He also worked on the first graphics accelerator chip and the pioneering local bus architecture that sped up computer performance.
He cofounded the chipset company Mostron in 1984 and, a year later, Chips and Technologies — along with Gordon Campbell. The latter was a graphics adapter company that was eventually acquired by Intel for $430 million.
In 1989, he founded S3 Graphics, which pioneered the local bus concept and developed Windows accelerator chips with a focus on 2D graphics. S3 Graphics became the third-most profitable technology company in 1993. S3 became one of the biggest companies in 3D graphics chips, but it ultimately lost out to rivals like Nvidia, Intel and AMD. S3 was an important company in the development of graphics for games in chip history.
As a venture capitalist, Banatao founded Tallwood Venture in 2000. It is a firm focused on investing in semiconductor technology, where he served as managing partner.
Banatao established the Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev), a non-profit organization for young Filipinos pursuing STEM careers.
Banatao was widely honored for his contributions to technology and entrepreneurship.
He received the Master Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Ernst & Young, Inc. and Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services, as well as the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, an award that recognizes contributions by US citizens to an ethnic group or country. I remember meeting him at a Starbucks cafe where he regularly held court for entrepreneurs in the valley. Rest in Peace.
An institute in the US also bears Banatao’s name — the Banatao Institute at the University of California’s Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society.
George Haber, another chip industry veteran, said on LinkedIn, “I’m sad to see another friend passing away. Dado was a pioneer, investor, mentor and true inspiration to many.”
On LinkedIn, Lip-Bu Tan, CEO of Intel, posted a tribute to Banatao.
I am very sad to lose my good friend, mentor and partner. He is brilliant and successful entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He successfully built Chips & Technologies and helped building Marvell and I have had the fortune to invest and serve on board of S3 which he was founder & CEO of the leading GPU startup till successful IPO and co-invested in many startups together including Inphi, SIRF, Blaize and investor in his venture capitalist firm, Tallwood Ventures. Subsequently, he challenged me to take up the role CEO of Cadence Design when I asked him if I should take up the role with the following comment, “I respect you as successful venture capitalist but do not respect you with operating skills”. Dado, it took me 6 years after I became CEO Cadence Design to gain your respect. I am forever grateful for your challenge and encourgement as I continue my life journey following your footstep as CEO of Cadence Design for 12 years and continuing as CEO Intel. Dado, you are the best technology entrepreneur and legend from Philippine. I will miss you and your smile as my friend and mentor & RIP. My deepest condolences and blessing to Maria, Desi and whole wonderful Banatao family.