About
Brandon Yao studied computer science and economics at Columbia. He has conducted research with OpenAI's chief economist and held roles at several YC-backed startups, and now serves as COO at Semiotic.
Founder at SemioticYC F25
Intro paths
Brandon went through Y Combinator (Fall 2025) — any YC alum in your network can reach them through the YC community.
Their group partner at YC was David Lieb, General Partner at Y Combinator — the partner who ran Semiotic's batch and knows the company first-hand. YC profile ↗
In turn, Brandon can intro founders to Semiotic's investors below.
Semiotic's investors · 2
Co-founders at Semiotic
Experience
- Semiotic (YC F25)Co-Founder & COOcurrent2025 — presentSan Francisco, California, United States
- Columbia Business SchoolResearch2024 — 2025New York, New York, United States
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Brandon Yao?
- Brandon Yao studied computer science and economics at Columbia. He has conducted research with OpenAI's chief economist and held roles at several YC-backed startups, and now serves as COO at Semiotic.
- Where does Brandon Yao work?
- Brandon Yao is Founder of Semiotic.
- What companies did Brandon Yao found?
- Brandon Yao founded Semiotic.
- Where did Brandon Yao go to school?
- Brandon Yao studied at Y Combinator (F25); Columbia University (Bachelor of Arts - BA, Economics); The Westminster Schools (High School Diploma).
Founder mafias
Y Combinator mafia8,773
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
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Y Combinator mafia4,716
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Columbia University mafia200
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
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The Westminster Schools mafia4
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
Same school
Also attended Y Combinator2,000
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Also attended Columbia University726
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Also attended The Westminster Schools21
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Shared employers
Also worked at Semiotic (YC F25)2
Also worked at Columbia Business School96
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