Deadline: June 28, 2026
Applications are open for the Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship 2026. The Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship is a four-month, hands-on program designed to expand access to VC careers. Through peer learning, real-world experience, and direct exposure to the industry, Fellows build the skills, network, and confidence to succeed in venture.
The program culminates in Blend:Demos, a live, in-person demo day on December 9, 2026 where graduating Fellows present a substantive, real-world project at the intersection of AI and investing — work they’ve developed throughout the cohort experience.
Benefits
Fellows Receive:
- Formal venture finance training through VC University
- Formal AI training from leaders in the industry
- Live learning sessions with top VCs and tech leaders
- Hands-on experience working with a VC firm (previous host firms include Cleveland Avenue, Earth Foundry, Tensility Ventures, Vamos Ventures, Serac Ventures, OCA Ventures, and more)
- $1,000 participation stipend
- Access to Chicago co-working spaces at TeamWorking by TechNexus, mHUB, 1871, MATTER Health, and 2112 Creative Industries Incubator
- Post-program career support to land your next role in VC or tech while staying engaged with our supportive Fellowship alumni community
Eligibility
The Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship is open to applicants based in the United States. Some programming is held in-person in Chicago. Non-Chicago applicants should be prepared to attend all required in-person sessions.
Applicants should demonstrate that they:
- Have at least two (2) years of work experience
- Are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Have startup founder connections
Application
Your application has two required parts — both must be completed for your application to be considered.
- Step 1: Written Application: Complete the form.
- Step 2: Video Interview: After submitting, you’ll be redirected to a short recorded video interview (under 10 minutes). You’ll be prompted with a few questions and record your responses on the spot.
After the application deadline, all applicants will be notified of their status. Select applicants will advance to a virtual interview with Chicago:Blend staff and Fellowship alumni — this is the next stage of the process, not a final decision.
For more information, visit Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship.
