In Memoriam
Diosdado “Dado” Pamittan Banatao
1946–2025
The son of a rice farmer, Dado Banatao rose from a small town in the Philippines to become an influential Silicon Valley engineer and investor. With his wife Maria, he established a scholarship supporting California students of Filipino heritage.
His story
From a rice farm to Silicon Valley
Born on May 23, 1946 in Iguig, Cagayan, Philippines, Dado Banatao was raised by Salvador and Rosita Banatao in a rural farming community. His father urged him to focus on school, and Dado's academic success carried him from Malabac Elementary School to Ateneo de Tuguegarao and Mapúa Institute of Technology, where he earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.
After a brief period in pilot training, he moved to the United States in 1968 to work as a Boeing design engineer on the 747. Graduate study at Stanford deepened his expertise in computer architecture and semiconductor systems. Roles at National Semiconductor, Commodore, Intersil, and SEEQ Technology placed him at the center of the emerging personal-computer and networking industries.
Dado went on to start Mostron, co-found Chips and Technologies, and co-found S3. Their work made PC system logic and graphics more affordable and helped shape the fabless semiconductor model. He later joined Mayfield Fund and founded Tallwood Venture Capital, where he paired capital with hands-on guidance for founders working on difficult engineering problems.
His later work centered on opportunity. With Maria, he established the Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund. He also supported CITRIS and the Banatao Institute across the University of California and founded PhilDev to strengthen education and entrepreneurship in the Philippines. He passed away on December 25, 2025at age 79, leaving a legacy measured in both technology and lives opened to possibility.
A career of firsts
What he built
A life in milestones
The journey
1946
Born in Iguig, Cagayan
Born May 23 to Salvador and Rosita Banatao in a rural farming community. He excelled at Malabac Elementary School and earned a place at Ateneo de Tuguegarao.
1960s
Electrical engineering at Mapúa
Earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Mapúa Institute of Technology in Manila, then briefly pursued pilot training with Philippine Airlines.
1968
Design engineer on the Boeing 747
Moved to the United States to work as a Boeing design engineer on the 747 program and continued his education at the University of Washington.
1970s
Stanford and the semiconductor industry
Earned a Stanford master’s in electrical engineering focused on computer architecture and semiconductor systems, then held engineering roles at National Semiconductor, Commodore, Intersil, and SEEQ Technology.
1984
Begins building semiconductor companies
Started Mostron, then co-founded Chips and Technologies, whose single-chip PC chipset reduced the cost and complexity of IBM-compatible computers.
1990s
Advances PC graphics at S3
Co-founded S3 and guided graphics accelerators and bus interfaces that made visual performance easier to integrate into Windows-based personal computers.
1997 onward
Invests in the next generation
Joined Mayfield Fund as a venture partner and later founded Tallwood Venture Capital, advising early-stage semiconductor and communications companies.
1997–2006
Recognized for entrepreneurship and investing
Received the 1997 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and appeared on the Forbes Midas List for five consecutive years from 2002 through 2006.
Philanthropy
Expands access to education and innovation
Supported CITRIS and the Banatao Institute across the University of California and founded PhilDev to connect scholarships, entrepreneurship, academia, industry, and government.
Dec 25, 2025
In loving memory
Dado passed away at 79. His legacy continues through his family, his engineering work, and the educational programs he supported.
Continue the story
Remembering Dado Banatao
Read the Banatao family memorial or watch the short film about his journey from rural Philippines to Silicon Valley.