Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, the Filipino visionary whose intellect and determination left an indelible mark on Silicon Valley, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, at the age of 79, on the campus of his alma mater, Stanford University, surrounded by family and friends.
Born in the humble landscapes of Cagayan Valley, Banatao’s early life was defined by resilience. He walked barefoot to school, carrying not only books but a spark of curiosity and ambition that would one day illuminate the global technology stage.
From those modest beginnings, he charted a course that bridged continents, cultures, and ideas.
In Silicon Valley, Banatao’s name became synonymous with innovation. He co-founded pioneering technology firms, shaping the architecture of semiconductors and computing systems that quietly revolutionized everyday life.
Later, through Tallwood Venture Capital, he nurtured a generation of startups, turning vision into venture and ingenuity into enterprise. Yet for all his technical triumphs, his heart remained committed to lifting others.
Together with his wife Maria, he championed education, funding scholarships, STEM initiatives, and research institutions such as the Banatao Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. He believed deeply in the power of opportunity, ensuring that the next generation of thinkers and creators would stand on strong shoulders and dare to dream boldly.
Former finance secretary Cesar Purisima described him as a brilliant engineer, a daring entrepreneur, and a source of national pride—a testament to a life where intellect met compassion, and ambition met humility.
The Banatao family invites friends, colleagues, and admirers to share memories, images, and reflections on a dedicated website, celebrating a life that inspired countless others.
Dado Banatao’s story is one of vision forged in simplicity, courage tempered by generosity, and brilliance that never forgot its roots.
From barefoot walks in the Cagayan Valley to shaping the technology of the modern world, his legacy endures in every microchip he inspired, every scholarship he endowed, and every mind he encouraged to dream beyond boundaries. He leaves behind not only a history of achievement but a future made brighter by his enduring example.
