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Overview

Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship is a six-month peer learning cohort program for aspiring venture capitalists in Chicago and the Midwest. The program culminates in Blend:Talks, where graduating fellows present insights about emerging technologies and VC trends to investors. The program aims to expand venture-career access for underrepresented aspiring VCs.

Investment focus

The Chicago Venture Fellows program aims to diversify the venture capital talent pipeline by preparing aspiring venture capitalists from historically marginalized groups. It combines formal training with practical experience to enhance representation in the VC industry.

Program details

Designed for Investors, Scouts, Operators. The program is hybrid. Participation is generally part time.

Who it is for

  • No specific educational requirements listed
  • Aspiring venture capitalists with interest in VC careers
  • Commitment to the six-month program
  • Chicago-based or relocating to Chicago preferred
  • Program seeks to increase representation of historically marginalized groups

Check if you are eligible

Check your eligibility for Chicago Venture Fellows

Admissions and application

Applications are open to aspiring venture capitalists with an interest in VC careers. No specific educational requirements are listed, but candidates should be committed to the six-month program and preferably based in or relocating to Chicago.

Benefits

  • Placement at local VC firm with real deal work experience
  • Formal VC finance training through VC University
  • Weekly educational sessions and mentorship
  • Access to Chicago:Blend's extensive VC network
  • Co-working space access at 1871, MATTER, mHUB, and TeamWorking by TechNexus
  • Post-program professional development and career support
  • Networking with founders and tech community
  • Alumni community and continued support

Timeline

The program lasts for six months, with the next cohort starting on September 9, 2026.

What came of it

  • Over 90% of alumni who pursued VC roles secured positions
  • Alumni placed at major firms including Sequoia Capital, Initialized Capital, and Khosla Ventures
  • In less than two years, fellows collectively spoke to 850 companies
  • 10 portfolio companies secured venture funding through fellow introductions
  • 70% of companies funded had at least one female founder or founder of color

How to go about it

  1. Read what it asks for

    Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.

  2. Have something to show

    Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.

  3. Apply the way the program asks

    The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.

Questions about this program

How do I join the Chicago Venture Fellows?

The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.

Is the fellowship paid?

The program states hybrid. Get the amount, who qualifies, when it pays and any carry conditions in writing before you join.

What is the format and time commitment?

The program is hybrid. Participation is generally part time.

About Chicago:Blend

Chicago:Blend

Community

Advancing diversity in venture capital and startups.

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From public sources

What the sources say about Chicago Venture Fellows

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