David N. Colaizzi, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder
Dave Colaizzi is an experienced business leader with a track record of success, that expands across several industries including technology and biotech. Colaizzi is responsible for Signature’s strategic direction and operations, guiding the company through new assay development, and establishing partnerships with leading research organizations.
Colaizzi has spent over 20 years in executive roles. In 1997, he co-founded Pittsburgh software development company, fivestar*, where he served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer, identifying how technology can make business more efficient for Fortune 1000 companies, non-profits, and higher education institutions. fivestar* has been developing custom software solutions for over 20 years and has served clients on 6 continents. Colaizzi remains the Chair of the fivestar* board, assisting in key decision making and as an advisor to the leadership team.
In recent years, Colaizzi shifted his career path into the biotech space. He formerly served as Principal and Chief Technology Officer with genetic testing pioneers Genelex, where he helped revitalize the company leading to their acquisition by Invitae in 2020. His leadership style is structed around building talented, versatile teams and enabling their success.
Today, along with the work he does with Signature, Colaizzi focuses on channeling his expertise as a leader into advisory roles. Notably, taking a spot on the Maitri Medicinals board, helping them navigate critical decisions as they experience rapid growth and develop their growing/processing and dispensary operations. Colaizzi also is Chair of the Board for BioHybrid Solutions which uses transformational platform technology to develop next-generation NanoArmored protein-polymer conjugates. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Italian Language Literature and Culture from the University of Pittsburgh and enjoys keynote speaking and working with individuals to mentor and coach them.