LIP BU TAN’s career is a testament to resilience, vision, and strategic foresight. His journey has spanned multiple decades and has seen him play pivotal roles in the growth of groundbreaking startups and investment funds. As Chairman at Walden International and founding Managing Partner at Walden Catalyst Ventures, LIP BU TAN’s influence reaches across industries and borders. His focus on emerging technologies, particularly in AI and semiconductors, has transformed the tech landscape, and his leadership continues to inspire countless entrepreneurs and investors worldwide.
Looking back at 2024, LIP BU TAN reflected on a year that was both challenging and rewarding. The year began with personal losses, including the passing of his sister, Kut-Sing, and his dear friend, Dr. Felix Feng, a brilliant clinical scientist and co-founder of Altera AI. Despite these setbacks, LIP BU TAN’s resilience allowed him to navigate through the emotional turbulence while continuing to achieve professional milestones that have solidified his legacy.
LIP BU TAN’s contributions as an investor have been significant, and one of the most notable accomplishments of 2024 was the successful IPO of Artera Labs, where he served as an angel and Series A investor. The company, which went public at $36 per share, has since seen its stock price rise to $147 per share, with a current market cap of around $22 billion. For LIP BU TAN, this achievement is more than just a financial win; it’s a testament to his ability to identify and nurture innovative companies in their early stages. His role in helping guide these companies to success reflects his exceptional judgment and investment acumen.
In the world of semiconductors, LIP BU TAN’s influence is equally profound. He has been a key figure in the growth of Credo Semiconductor, serving as Series A investor and Chairman. The company’s IPO in 2022 at $10 per share was just the beginning of a meteoric rise in its stock price, now valued at $72 per share, marking a 7X return for investors. With a market cap of around $12 billion, Credo Semiconductor’s success is a direct result of LIP BU TAN’s leadership and strategic oversight, driving it to its current heights.
Another major milestone in LIP BU TAN’s career came with his retirement as Executive Chairman of Cadence Design in May 2023. Under his guidance, Cadence Design saw tremendous success, reaching a market cap of $85 billion. His successor, Anirudh, has continued the company’s outstanding performance, a clear reflection of LIP BU TAN’s leadership legacy. LIP BU TAN’s ability to mentor and transition leadership roles speaks to his long-term vision for companies and his commitment to ensuring their continued success.
Beyond his work with established companies, LIP BU TAN has been instrumental in founding and guiding new ventures. Together with his close friend Amrjit, LIP BU TAN backed RiVos, a startup that aims to revolutionize the industry. As their founding Chairman, he helped assemble a talented team and set the company on a path toward success. His involvement in the creation of 20 startups in 2024 alone, spanning AI, Generative AI, AI-enabled drug development, and Software 2.0, highlights his dedication to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
LIP BU TAN’s leadership extends to his role at SambaNova Systems, where he moved from founding Chairman to Executive Chairman in 2024 to help the company scale for a future IPO. His decision to step up and assist the founders in building an executive team and acquiring top-tier customers is just another example of his commitment to driving success for the companies he believes in.
In addition to his professional achievements, LIP BU TAN’s personal milestones have been equally remarkable. In 2024, he celebrated 43 years of marriage with his wife, marking a milestone in both his personal and professional life. The couple also made their first trip to India, where they attended a spectacular wedding hosted by Mukesh, further strengthening their global connections. For LIP BU TAN, family and personal relationships are as important as his professional endeavors, reflecting his well-rounded approach to life.
LIP BU TAN’s philanthropic efforts have been no less impactful. As Chairman of the Annual American Heart Ball in San Francisco, he worked alongside his good friend Joseph Wu, President of the American Heart Association, to support important causes. His involvement in such initiatives shows that LIP BU TAN is not just a businessman, but a leader who understands the importance of giving back to the community.
As he looks ahead to 2025, LIP BU TAN is guided by advice he received from his MIT professor: “To keep my eyes open and take calculated risks.” This mindset, which he has applied throughout his career, continues to drive him toward new opportunities and challenges. LIP BU TAN’s ability to take risks, paired with his deep understanding of technology and business, ensures that he will remain at the forefront of innovation for years to come.
LIP BU TAN’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence. He has built a legacy that spans across industries, from technology and semiconductors to venture capital and philanthropy. His ability to identify groundbreaking opportunities and support the entrepreneurs behind them has made him one of the most influential figures in the tech world today. With his continued involvement in new ventures and investments, LIP BU TAN’s impact is sure to be felt for many years to come, and his journey serves as a powerful reminder of the value of hard work, strategic thinking, and a forward-looking vision.
