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Questions: Salvador Dueñas • [email protected]
The Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship is a four-month program that prepares high-potential, aspiring venture capitalists for careers in VC.
As a host firm, you'll gain fresh perspectives, get meaningful support on real work, and help build a more inclusive venture capital ecosystem — all while expanding your own pipeline of future talent.
This opportunity is ideal for VC firms looking to:
⚡ Mentor rising VC talent
🌍 Champion inclusion in VC
💼 Get high-quality, part-time support at no cost
🎯 Create a pipeline for future hiring needs
💡 Source new deal flow
👀 Gain new sector insights
Our Venture Fellows aren’t fresh grads — they’re rising professionals pivoting into VC with purpose.
Each Fellow is selected from a highly competitive, diverse pool of applicants. Most are career switchers with 2+ years of professional experience — often more. Some hold (or are pursuing) MBAs or PhDs. Some bring prior investing or startup experience; others come from roles in tech, consulting, finance, ops, or marketing.
What they all share: 💡 Subject-matter expertise in a sector or function 🔍 A sharp eye for sourcing and diligence 🔥 Serious drive to break into venture full-time
Through our program, Fellows gain the venture finance training and build the networks needed to launch a career in VC — so they’re ready to add value to your firm from day one.
Fellows dedicate approximately 10-15 hours per week to their host firm. This includes participating in meetings, conducting research, and contributing to ongoing projects.
There’s no cost to your firm — Fellows receive a stipend through our program.
What we ask for is your time, mentorship, and willingness to offer meaningful exposure to venture work. In return, Fellows bring fresh perspective, hustle, and real value to your team.
We prioritize working with firms that share our commitment to talent development, inclusion, and opening doors in venture.
We pair fellows with VC firms based on mutual interests, sector focus, and the firm’s capacity. Our goal is to ensure a meaningful and productive experience for both parties.