Silicon Catalyst Expands US Leadership Team to Support Growing Global Portfolio
SILICON VALLEY, August 19, 2026 – Silicon Catalyst today announced several leadership updates as it expands its global portfolio and deepens the expertise available to founders and strategic partners across the semiconductor ecosystem.
With more than 150+ Portfolio Companies admitted to date, Silicon Catalyst continues to invest in the people, programs, and industry expertise needed to support semiconductor hardware startups around the globe.
Dr. Marcie Weinstein joins as Managing Partner, expanding Silicon Catalyst’s strategic and technical marketing expertise.
Dr. Atiye Bayman is transitioning into Silicon Catalyst’s first-ever Emeritus role after eight years serving as a Partner and Advisor.
Jessica Binzoni, JD, has been promoted to Partner; she has taken on key leadership roles in startup screening and the firm’s Portfolio Company Updates.
Meghan Lazarow joins as Marketing Manager and Advisor to support Silicon Catalyst's marketing organization and Portfolio Companies.
“Silicon Catalyst has always combined deep semiconductor industry expertise with a commitment to support the next generation of great breakthrough companies,” said Pete Rodriguez, CEO. “As our Portfolio and global ecosystem continue to grow, we’re investing in the people and expertise needed as these startups move from breakthrough technology to successful businesses.”
Dr. Marcie Weinstein Joins as Managing Partner to Expand Materials, MEMS, and Sensing Support
Dr. Weinstein brings more than 25 years of technical and strategic marketing leadership in MEMS and semiconductors to her new role as Managing Partner. She has built go-to-market strategies for early-stage deep-tech companies, guiding them from stealth through first customers and early investment.
“Throughout my career, I've seen how transformative the right market story can be in helping breakthrough technologies reach their full potential,” said Dr. Weinstein. “Silicon Catalyst provides startups with the expertise to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization, and I'm excited to bring my experience to help our Portfolio Companies clearly communicate their value to customers, partners, and investors."
Dr. Weinstein began her career as a senior member of the technical staff in the MEMS group at the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory. She has spent more than two decades building and leading marketing strategy for deep-tech startups and global companies including Akustica, Bosch, Aspinity, and Arieca. Dr. Weinstein holds a PhD in Solid State Physics from Lehigh University.
Dr. Atiye Bayman Named Silicon Catalyst's First Emeritus Partner
Dr. Bayman joined Silicon Catalyst more than eight years ago and has since supported the organization as a Partner, Advisor, University Ambassador, and member of Silicon Catalyst Angels. In recognition of her contributions, the organization has created a new Emeritus designation - a first in Silicon Catalyst’s history - allowing Dr. Bayman to remain closely connected.
“One of the most rewarding chapters of my career has been watching our Portfolio Companies grow from an early idea into thriving, successful businesses breaking new ground in our industry,” said Dr. Bayman. “I'm honored that Silicon Catalyst created this Emeritus role - it means I get to keep pouring years of industry experience into these companies, and contributing where I can as they move into their next phase of growth.”
Dr. Bayman’s career spans senior technology leadership roles at MiaSolé, Novellus Systems, Synergy Semiconductor, and Advanced Micro Devices.
Jessica Binzoni, JD Promoted to Partner
After three years at Silicon Catalyst, Jessica Binzoni, JD, has been promoted to Partner. Jessica is part of the leadership team for Silicon Catalyst’s startup screening process. She also helps oversee operations for its biannual Portfolio Company Update, where Portfolio Company CEOs share key updates and connect with the Silicon Catalyst ecosystem of Strategic Partners, Advisors, Investors, and In-Kind Partners. Jessica has played an important role in the continued growth of the Portfolio Company Update as the event has expanded in scope and scale.
Prior to joining Silicon Catalyst, Jessica was the Founder and Executive Director of an international nonprofit organization serving refugees in the Middle East, and she worked as an immigration attorney at the National Immigrant Justice Center in Chicago.
Meghan Lazarow Joins as Marketing Manager and Advisor
Meghan Lazarow joins Silicon Catalyst as Marketing Manager and Advisor, bringing more than a decade of growth marketing experience to the organization and its Portfolio Companies. In the role, Lazarow will contribute to Silicon Catalyst’s marketing initiatives while advising Portfolio Companies on growth strategy and go-to-market execution.
For the past several years, Lazarow has led her own growth marketing consultancy, working with early-stage and high-growth technology companies. Previously, she served as Senior Demand Marketing Manager at Handshake, where she managed strategic growth programs that helped drive the company’s employer business beyond $100 million in ARR. Before Handshake, Lazarow led growth marketing for Tesla’s Residential Energy business, overseeing initiatives across digital acquisition, e-commerce, social media, and product positioning.