Brandon Steidley is an MBA candidate at Columbia Business School, specializing in Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Venture Capital. With a background spanning venture capital, startup leadership, strategic consulting, and operational strategy, he is passionate about identifying and scaling high-growth companies that leverage technology and innovation to transform industries.

Brandon began his career as an Infantry Team Leader in the Army National Guard while simultaneously earning his Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain and Information Systems at Pennsylvania State University. Balancing military leadership with rigorous academics, he developed a mission-driven, disciplined approach to problem-solving and execution in high-pressure environments. This foundation has shaped his ability to navigate complex business challenges, adapt quickly, and drive strategic growth.

Prior to Columbia, Brandon was a Senior Consultant in Deloitte’s Strategy & Analytics practice, where he advised Fortune 500 brands on operational transformation, emerging technologies, and consumer engagement strategies. His work spanned retail, e-commerce, and financial services, including a pivotal role in one of the largest banking mergers in recent history, where he helped integrate systems across 1,000 branches. Beyond financial services, he led strategic initiatives for global consumer brands, optimizing merchandising operations, AI-driven demand forecasting, and digital transformation.

At Columbia Business School, Brandon holds leadership roles in the Venture Capital Club and Alleycon Tech Startup Conference, reinforcing his commitment to fostering innovation within the venture ecosystem. He is currently an investing intern at Stony Brook Ventures, focusing on early-stage investments in AI and consumer technology. He has conducted due diligence on hard tech startups and supported portfolio companies with go-to-market strategy, business model development, and operational scaling.

Driven by his passion for the intersection of AI, automation, and digital infrastructure in consumer-driven industries, Brandon founded Silhouet, a vertical SaaS platform revolutionizing inventory and merchandising for emerging fashion and apparel brands. Leveraging his expertise in supply chain, retail operations, and technology strategy, Silhouet was accepted into the CBS Build Lab Program and has built a team of four active interns working on its development.

Outside of work, Brandon is an avid snowboarder and holds a leadership role in the CBS Snow Sports Club. He has traveled to over 20 countries, enjoys cooking, and maintains an active lifestyle through fitness and martial arts. These pursuits reflect his drive to push boundaries, embrace new challenges, and continuously grow both professionally and personally.