Brandon Steidley is a venture capitalist in training and a technology strategist with a background in strategic consulting and business transformation. As a former Senior Consultant at Deloitte Consulting LLP, he advised Fortune 500 companies on operational strategy, AI-driven innovation, and digital transformation. His work centered on scaling businesses through data-driven decision-making, automation, and technology integration. Before Deloitte, he gained experience in finance, technology, and entrepreneurship through roles at MUFG Union Bank and PwC.
Currently, Brandon is pursuing his MBA at Columbia Business School, specializing in Entrepreneurship, Technology Strategy, and Venture Capital. He is interning at Stony Brook Ventures, where he focuses on early-stage investments, market research, and emerging technology trends. Actively engaged in Columbia’s startup ecosystem, he is a member of the Venture Capital Club, Alleycon Tech Startup Conference, Veteran Club, Tech Club, and Entrepreneurship organizations.
Brandon’s long-term career goals lie in Venture Capital, particularly within the Consumer Industry, B2B SaaS, Social Impact Investing, and Sports Media & Entertainment. His investment interests span consumer analytics, AI-powered SaaS solutions, sustainability-focused innovations, and ESG-driven venture funds. Passionate about early-stage investing and startup advising, he helps founders navigate growth, technology adoption, and market strategy. He is also the founder of a verticalized B2B SaaS platform developed through the Columbia Build Lab program.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Brandon is an avid hiker, snowboarder, and martial artist who enjoys cooking and fitness. As he builds his career in early-stage venture capital and business growth, he remains dedicated to bridging the gap between emerging technology, investment strategy, and innovation.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day typically starts with a workout to set the tone, followed by focused time on academics, venture capital fellowship, or work on my startup. I prioritize deep work blocks for high-value tasks and leverage project management tools to stay organized. I also try and make time to cook dinner in the evening and watch an NFL or NBA game, if it’s on.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I use a structured approach: identifying a problem, brainstorming potential solutions, validating ideas through research or user feedback, and executing iteratively. Collaboration and adaptability are key.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The integration of AI in vertical SaaS solutions. It’s transforming niche industries by automating workflows and unlocking new efficiencies.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Breaking my day into deep work sessions and taking short, restorative breaks to recharge.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Take calculated risks earlier in life. The greatest growth often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Effective leadership isn’t about having all the answers but asking the right questions.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Practice daily reflection. It sharpens focus and aligns your actions with your goals.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away for a physical activity like weightlifting or a game of pickup basketball. It clears my mind and resets my focus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building genuine relationships. Networking isn’t about collecting contacts but cultivating meaningful connections.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
During a large-scale transformation project, I underestimated the resistance to change. I overcame it by improving communication, involving stakeholders earlier, and fostering collaboration. The lesson: change management is as important as the solution itself.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A vertical LLM-powered assistant for independent fitness trainers, offering personalized workout plan generation, client progress tracking, and automated scheduling. It would also provide marketing tools to help trainers grow their client base through tailored social media strategies and engagement insights.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Notion. I use it for organizing tasks, managing projects, and maintaining a centralized knowledge base.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight. It’s an inspiring story about the perseverance and innovation behind building Nike, filled with lessons on taking risks, overcoming setbacks, and staying true to your vision.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Bear (TV series). It’s an incredible study in leadership, resilience, and navigating high-stress environments… Plus, I love to cook.
Key learnings
- Daily reflection and structured work blocks significantly enhance productivity.
- Bringing ideas to life requires a blend of creativity, collaboration, and adaptability.
- Genuine relationships are a cornerstone for career advancement and personal growth.
- Change management is essential for successful project execution.
- Investing in clarity and focus—whether through tools or habits—yields long-term benefits.