Lip-Bu Tan

Lip-Bu Tan is a prominent figure in the technology and venture capital sectors, currently serving as the Executive Chairman of Cadence Design Systems, a leading company in electronic design automation solutions. He has had a significant impact on the semiconductor industry throughout his career.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 12, 1959, in Muar, Johor, Malaysia, Tan grew up in Singapore. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Nanyang Technological University, followed by a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He later completed an MBA at the University of San Francisco after shifting from his Ph.D. studies due to industry changes following the Three Mile Island accident in 1979.134

Career Highlights

Tan founded Walden International, a venture capital firm, in 1987, which has played a crucial role in funding technology startups, particularly in semiconductors and digital media. Under his leadership, Walden International grew its assets significantly, focusing on innovative companies across the U.S. and Asia.134

He joined Cadence Design Systems' board of directors in 2004 and served as CEO from 2009 to 2021, during which he led significant growth for the company. In December 2021, he transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman while continuing to influence Cadence's strategic direction.234

Tan has also held various board positions with notable companies including Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Schneider Electric, and SoftBank Group. His contributions to the semiconductor sector were recognized with the Robert N. Noyce Award in 2022, highlighting his influence and leadership within the industry.235

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Beyond his corporate roles, Tan is actively involved in academia and philanthropy. He serves on boards at several educational institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University and UC Berkeley, where he supports engineering programs.13 His firm has also endowed professorships at Carnegie Mellon University, reflecting his commitment to advancing education in technology.3

Personal Life

Lip-Bu Tan resides in Piedmont, California, with his wife Ysa Loo. They have two grown children.3

In summary, Lip-Bu Tan is not only a leader at Cadence Design Systems but also a prominent venture capitalist and philanthropist whose work has significantly shaped the technology landscape.