Early Life and Education
Weili Dai was born in Shanghai, China, and moved to the United States at the age of 17. She played semi-professional basketball in her youth. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley, where she met her husband, Sehat Sutardja.
Rise to Success
In 1995, Dai co-founded Marvell Technology Group with her husband and his brother. She played a crucial role in directing Marvell's growth and success, focusing on strategic partnerships and marketing the company's technology. Marvell became a major player in the semiconductor industry under her leadership, eventually going public in 2000.
In 2021, she co-founded Silicon Box, a Singapore-based company focused on advanced chip packaging technology, which opened a $2 billion facility in 2023.
Key Business Strategies
Dai’s leadership style emphasizes fairness and care, which she believes are essential for success. Her approach included building strong relationships with customers, supporting her partners, and fostering a culture of teamwork within Marvell. She has also been instrumental in expanding access to technology in developing countries and has served as an ambassador between the US and China in the technology sector.
Philanthropy
Weili Dai is an active philanthropist, supporting various educational and technological initiatives. She is a strong supporter of the One Laptop per Child initiative and advocates for women in STEM fields. Dai and her husband have also supported the University of California, Berkeley, through financial contributions, including the establishment of Sutardja Dai Hall.
