Since 1995, Santa Clara-based Marvell Semiconductor had grown from a three-person, family-funded startup to a 1,800-employee, billion-dollar technology company. Some would consider that extraordinary, given the tough times recently faced by the semiconductor industry. But it only takes a few minutes with Marvell’s co-founder Weili Dai to understand how the company has beat the odds.

If you ask Dai what it takes to make that happen, her answer is quick and clear.

“The technology engine is absolutely solid,” says the 42-year old entrepreneur, who co-founded the company with her husband Sehat Sutardja (Ph.D.’88 EECS) and his brother Pantas (B.S. ’83, M.S. ’85;Ph.D ‘88 EECS). “Our execution is flawless. We have the best of the best people working for us. And we are 100 percent committed to our customers.”

Those who knew Dai as a Berkeley CS student wouldn’t be too surprised at her success. Dai recalls running between Cory, Evans, and the library carrying an enormous backpack loaded with heavy physics, CS,and math books. “I only knew about four blocks from the campus in each direction,” says Dai. “Basically all I did was study. I was very busy and very focused.”

“It’s not just a business,” says Dai. “It’s a passion. I’m proud that our people, our customers, and our investors are all succeeding with us. Everything is about the results.”

Professional services firm Ernst & Young agrees. In 2003 Dai and the Sutardjas were recognized for their collective passion for innovation, technology leadership and business success with E&Y’s coveted Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Dai credits her parents with giving her the freedom and support to explore her own interests, the self-confidence, and the “do-whatever-it-takes-attitude” that marks her style. She credits her Berkeley education with giving her the practical skills, the discipline, and the “street smarts” to succeed in business. What’s next? “Right now, we envision building a bigger company focused on R&D that will continue to raise the bar for technology,” says Dai.

• Cool Alumni: Weili Dai, Sehat Sutardja, and Pantas Sutardja, founders of NASDAQ-100 wonder Marvell
• Marvelous Marvell: EECS alumni create NASDAQ-100 wonder company
• College of Engineering Notable Alumni
• From Berkeley to NASDAQ 100: Marvell Semiconductor (Webcast)