Martin Veldsman

Martin Veldsman is an experienced professional with a strong background in design and entrepreneurship. Martin is currently the Founding Designer/CEO of Design Conquest, a role they have held since November 2023. Prior to this, Martin worked as the Director of Industrial Design at BANQloop starting from October 2021.

From 2018 to 2021, Martin worked at Vel. Consulting as a Product Designer/ Innovation Strategy Consultant, where they collaborated with small business owners and startup entrepreneurs to identify design opportunities and develop product and brand solutions.

Before joining Vel. Consulting, Martin served as the Design Director at Semper Vinco Custom Apparel from 2015 to 2018, leading the creation of a client-facing design department and introducing new creative services to the company.

Martin started their professional career as a Manufacturing Engineer Intern at Plastics 1 in 2014, where they improved design engineering processes and prototyping cost-effectiveness. Martin also worked as a Design Consultant at Card Isle earlier in 2014, focusing on UI design and differentiation strategies for the interface.

In 2013, Martin worked as a Design Consultant at the Center for Leadership & Entrepreneurial Innovation, where they developed a 5-year business plan for a skincare startup and secured $2M in funding.

Martin also has experience as the Co-Founder and Design Director of LocalDesign, a student-led business that supported design-entrepreneurship. Additionally, they worked as a Summer Studio Teaching Assistant at the School of Architecture & Design, providing guidance to students interested in industrial design.

Martin's early career includes a role as an Architecture Intern at Balzer and Associates, Inc. in 2010. Throughout their career, Martin has demonstrated a strong passion for design, innovation, and driving business growth.

Martin Veldsman obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Industrial Design from Virginia Tech from 2010 to 2014. Prior to that, they attended Burton Center for Arts and Technology from 2006 to 2010, where they earned an Advanced Studies Diploma in Engineering. Martin also completed their high school education at Hidden Valley High School during the same time period. In addition to their formal education, Martin has obtained certifications such as "Create A Brand Strategy" and "SOLIDWORKS: Mold Design" from LinkedIn. Martin also holds a certification in "Sales Prospecting" from LinkedIn and has completed OSHA training.