Weili Dai

Weili Dai

BIO:

• Name: Weili Dai
• Title/Position: Co-founder of Marvell Technology Group, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
• Industry: Technology, Semiconductors, Innovation
• Location: California, USA
• Age: 71 - (29th of January 1954)
• Net Worth: $1.6 billion (2024)

Weili Dai’s Story

Weili Dai is a bold force in Silicon Valley. As one of the few female founders of a major semiconductor company, she helped reshape the tech industry and broke barriers for women and immigrants in STEM.

Born in Shanghai, China, and raised in the U.S., Weili brought a unique global perspective to the male-dominated tech world. In 1995, alongside her husband Pantas Sutardja, she co-founded Marvell Technology Group, now a leading global semiconductor firm. Her vision? To create smarter, faster, and more accessible technology.

Despite being ousted from Marvell in 2016 after a governance dispute, Weili didn’t slow down. She used her voice to champion women in tech, invest in female-led businesses, and inspire the next generation of innovators. Her story is a reminder that setbacks are stepping stones, not roadblocks.

Career Highlights

Key Milestones:

• 1995: Co-founds Marvell Technology Group
• 2008: Named one of Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women
• 2014: Included in CNN’s 10 Women Who Rule the World of Tech
• 2016: Departs from Marvell amid boardroom controversy
• 2019–Present: Focuses on entrepreneurship, mentoring, and global innovation initiatives

Achievements:

• Co-founded and grew Marvell Technology into a multibillion-dollar semiconductor company
• One of the first female co-founders in tech to lead a major NASDAQ-listed company
• Named to Forbes’ America’s Richest Self-Made Women list
• Advocated globally for gender diversity in STEM and executive leadership
• Active supporter of educational and philanthropic causes through the Dai Sutardja Foundation

Weili Dai Net Worth

Weili Dai’s $1.6 billion fortune stems primarily from her stake in Marvell Technology Group, which went public in 2000 and grew rapidly under her and her husband’s leadership (Forbes). She also invests in startups and innovation ventures through her foundation and private equity interests.

Following her departure from Marvell, she shifted her focus toward venture philanthropy, backing tech-driven social change and female entrepreneurship. Her wealth reflects both sharp business acumen and a passion for creating long-term impact.

Weili Dai in the News

• Featured by the South China Morning Post as the “Queen of Semiconductors” for her trailblazing role at Marvell 
• Frequently appears on panels and in interviews advocating diversity in tech leadership
• Her post-Marvell ventures include supporting global innovation initiatives and education reforms

Quotes by Weili Dai

“Technology has no gender—it’s about passion, innovation, and impact.”
“We can empower the world by investing in girls and women, especially in science and engineering.”
“Being underestimated is often the secret advantage of greatness.”

FAQs: Most Asked Questions About Weili Dai