Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship

applications for our spring 2024 fellowship are now closed.

Jon the waitlist to get notified when applications open for Fall 2024 this summer!

 

The Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship is a four-month cohort program for underrepresented, aspiring VCs to gain valuable experience sourcing and evaluating deal flow while expanding their networks and their knowledge of VC.

The Fall ‘24 cohort runs from Sep - Dec.

Launched in 2022, 37 fellows have participated across three cohorts and 83% of fellows actively applying to VC roles have landed a job.

 

PROGRAM BENEFITS

  • Venture finance education through VC University ONLINE (provided by NVCA, Venture Forward and UC Berkeley)

  • Personalized one-on-one mentorship

  • Lessons delivered by top VCs and tech leaders

  • $1,000 stipend

  • Access to co-working space at 1871, MATTER, mHUB, and TeamWorking by TechNexus during the program

  • One year complimentary access to Vitalize Angels

  • Access to Chicago:Blend’s network of VCs

  • Post-program alumni support


ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • This fellowship is open to aspiring VCs who are underrepresented or disadvantaged

  • Must reside in Chicagoland (some of our programming is in-person)

  • You must have at least two (2) years of work experience OR be currently enrolled in graduate school

  • You must be able to demonstrate that you have connections to startup founders OR that you have some general understanding about the tech ecosystem

 
 

Thank you to our Program Partners!

 
 

Supporters —> Get Involved!

Want to support the next generation of VCs?

We are seeking local VCs and investors, founders, operators, and other tech leaders in Chicago to help us deliver an extraordinary experience for our Fellows as they learn the basics of venture capital and navigate Chicago’s tech scene.

Email sal@chicagoblend.org to get involved!

 

Become a mentor

 

Provide one-on-one mentorship to a Fellow over three (3) one-hour sessions from Feb-May. Sample agendas will be provided.

 
 
 

Speak or present

 

Do you have ideas on what you think aspiring venture capitalists should know as they launch their careers? We want your suggestions!

 
 
 

Take the meeting

 

Our Fellows will be talking to founders and scouting companies for VC investment. If you’re an investor, sign up to indicate your willingness to hear from our Fellows about deals that they find which may align with your investment thesis.

 

QUESTIONS?

Salvador Dueñas
Director of Programs
sal@chicagoblend.org