Lip-Bu Tan
Description
Lip-Bu Tan is a highly influential figure in the global venture capital landscape, best known as the Chairman and Founder of Walden International, a firm he established in 1987. His extensive career spans over three decades in venture capital, complemented by his significant operational experience as the CEO of Cadence Design Systems, a leading electronic design automation (EDA) company. This unique blend of deep industry knowledge and investment acumen positions him as a strategic partner for technology startups, particularly those in the semiconductor, enterprise software, and deep tech sectors.
Walden International, under Tan's leadership, has cultivated a reputation for identifying and nurturing disruptive technologies from early to growth stages. The firm's investment thesis often revolves around companies leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, the Internet of Things, and advanced materials. Tan's personal network and insights, stemming from his role at Cadence, provide Walden International with a distinct advantage in evaluating and supporting complex technological innovations.
Over its long history, Walden International has built a diverse portfolio, investing in over 500 companies worldwide. The firm has achieved remarkable success with more than 100 IPOs and M&A exits, underscoring its ability to pick winners and guide them towards significant liquidity events. While Walden International's typical initial check sizes can range from $2 million to $10 million, they are known to participate in larger syndicated rounds and provide substantial follow-on funding, demonstrating a commitment to their portfolio companies' long-term growth. Tan's strategic vision and hands-on approach are central to the firm's enduring success and its capacity to navigate the complexities of the global technology market.
Investor Profile
Lip-Bu Tan has backed more than 28 startups, with 4 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 2 rounds, about 7% of its total and boasts 1 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Israel, Canada.
- Strong thematic focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software, Machine Learning.
- Typical check size: $2M – $10M.
Stage Focus
- Seed (50%)
- Series A (21%)
- Series B (11%)
- Series C (7%)
- Series Unknown (7%)
- Series D (4%)
Country Focus
- United States (82%)
- Israel (7%)
- Canada (4%)
- Indonesia (4%)
- India (4%)
Industry Focus
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Software
- Machine Learning
- Information Technology
- Semiconductor
- Generative Ai
- Internet
- Embedded Systems
- Big Data
- Biotechnology
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.