Chicago:Blend names VC Fellowship alum Marina Rostein to board of directors

Rostein’s appointment highlights the role of emerging talent pipelines in shaping Chicago’s venture capital leadership

 
 

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
July 1, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Joey Mak
mobile (224) 715-5158
joey@chicagoblend.org


CHICAGO — Chicago:Blend, a nonprofit organization working to build a more inclusive venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem, has named Marina Rostein to its board of directors. A former participant in the organization’s Venture Fellowship program for aspiring VCs, Rostein’s appointment marks a full-circle moment for the organization and reflects Chicago:Blend’s long-term commitment to expanding access and opportunity in the innovation economy.

Based in Chicago, Rostein serves as Head of Platform at NVNG Investment Advisors, a Wisconsin-based limited partner (LP) firm that invests in venture capital funds and connects institutional capital with innovation-driven opportunities across the U.S. A bilingual Argentine-American, she brings a global perspective and a strong commitment to inclusive innovation.

Rostein previously served on the Chicago:Blend Fellowship Alumni Board and offers a wide range of experience spanning platform strategy, marketing, HR and benefits, and community-building within the venture ecosystem. Prior to NVNG, Rostein led enterprise marketing for a diagnostic company and helped expand OneTable’s presence as its inaugural DC Hub Manager. She earned her MBA from UNC Chapel Hill and her undergraduate degree from The George Washington University.

“As a former Chicago:Blend Fellow and Alumni Board Member, I’m honored to join the board of directors and continue advancing Chicago:Blend’s mission in this new capacity,” Rostein said. “Having experienced firsthand how powerful the Fellowship can be as a launchpad into the venture and entrepreneurial ecosystem, I’m excited to help shape the next chapter of the organization’s impact.”

Rostein replaces Jonathan Ellis, Founder and Managing Director of Sandalphon Capital, who is stepping down after five years of dedicated leadership.

“It has been a pleasure serving on the Board since 2020 and watching Chicago:Blend grow. As a board member, I have always believed in bringing new voices into the ecosystem, and Marina’s appointment from a VC Fellow to a board member is a powerful reflection of that vision coming to life," Ellis said.

“On behalf of the board, I'm so excited to welcome Marina to the Chicago:Blend board of directors,” said Lindsay Knight, Founder and Board President of Chicago:Blend and a Partner at Chicago Ventures. “Watching her journey from Venture Fellow to board member has been incredibly rewarding and speaks volumes about the kind of impact this work can have. Marina brings a sharp LP perspective that will add even more depth to the conversations around our table, and I know that our team is energized to work with her as we embark on this new chapter for the organization.”

Rostein’s appointment is effective immediately.

Chicago:Blend Board of Directors (2025-26)

  • President: Lindsay Knight, Partner, Chicago Ventures

  • Vice President & Treasurer: Gale Wilkinson, Founder & Managing Partner, VITALIZE Venture Capital

  • Secretary: Jackie DiMonte, Managing Partner, Grid Capital

  • Directors:
     Tessa Flippin, Founder & Managing Partner, Capitalize VC
     Devon Leichtman, Senior Manager, Sales Strategy, Relativity
     Jason Mercer, Principal, Cleveland Avenue
     Samir Mirza, Co-Founder, Fifth Star Funds
     Elle Ramel, Chief of Staff & Inclusive Partnerships, World Business Chicago
     Marina Rostein, Head of Platform, NVNG Investment Advisors

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About Chicago:Blend
Chicago:Blend is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to create a more inclusive venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem. The organization publishes data and insights on the region’s VC workforce, supports emerging talent through its Venture Fellowship program, and collaborates with investors to strengthen Chicago’s startup community. Chicago:Blend is supported by a broad coalition of venture firms, philanthropic foundations, corporations, and individual donors. chicagoblend.org

Chicago:Blend