Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship 2026 in USA

Applications are now open for the Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship 2026, a prestigious hands-on venture capital fellowship designed to help aspiring investors break into the venture capital industry. The fellowship combines venture finance education, AI training, real-world VC experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities with leading investors and startup ecosystem leaders across the United States.

The program is ideal for professionals seeking a career in venture capital, startup investing, innovation, entrepreneurship, or technology. Fellows gain practical experience by working directly with venture capital firms while participating in structured learning and professional development activities.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Organization: Chicago:Blend
• Program: Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship 2026
• Location: United States (with required in-person sessions in Chicago)
• Duration: Approximately 4–6 Months
• Cohort: Cohort 10
• Application Deadline: June 28, 2026
• Program Start: September 2026
• Participation Stipend: USD 1,000
• Target Audience: Aspiring Venture Capital Professionals

About Chicago:Blend

Chicago:Blend is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the venture capital and startup ecosystem. Since its launch, the organization has built one of the most successful venture fellowship programs in the Midwest, helping participants gain access to venture capital careers and professional networks. Many alumni have gone on to secure positions at venture capital firms, startup organizations, and investment funds.

According to Chicago:Blend, more than 90% of alumni actively pursuing venture capital roles have successfully secured positions within the industry.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Formal venture finance training through VC University
• AI and emerging technology training from industry experts
• Live learning sessions with venture capital investors and technology leaders
• Hands-on experience working directly with venture capital firms
• USD 1,000 participation stipend
• Access to coworking spaces across Chicago
• Professional mentorship and career coaching
• Post-program career support
• Access to Chicago:Blend’s investor and alumni network
• Opportunities to engage with startup founders and investors nationwide

What Fellows Will Do

Throughout the fellowship, participants gain direct exposure to venture capital operations and investment decision-making.

Activities include:

• Startup sourcing and deal flow generation
• Market research and investment analysis
• Due diligence on startup companies
• Venture finance education
• AI and innovation trend analysis
• Networking with founders and investors
• Participation in cohort learning sessions
• Development of an investment-related project presented at the program’s final showcase event

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Be based in the United States
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Have at least two years of professional experience
• Demonstrate interest in venture capital, startups, technology, or investing
• Have connections within startup or founder communities
• Be able to attend required in-person sessions in Chicago
• Possess strong analytical and communication skills

Program Curriculum

The fellowship provides a combination of technical education and practical experience.

Participants receive training in:

Venture Capital Fundamentals

• Venture finance
• Startup valuation
• Cap tables
• Investment structures
• Fund economics

Startup Ecosystem Development

• Founder sourcing
• Market mapping
• Industry analysis
• Startup evaluation

Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

• AI trends
• Emerging technology sectors
• Technology investment opportunities

Professional Development

• Networking strategies
• Career planning
• Venture capital recruitment preparation
• Investor communication skills

Application Process

The application consists of two stages:

Step 1: Written Application

Applicants must complete the online application form and provide relevant professional and educational information.

Step 2: Video Interview

After submitting the application, candidates will complete a short recorded video interview consisting of several questions. The interview generally takes less than ten minutes.

Selected applicants may subsequently be invited for additional virtual interviews with Chicago:Blend staff and fellowship alumni.

Why Apply?

Breaking into venture capital is often challenging due to limited access to industry networks and practical experience. The Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship addresses these barriers by providing structured training, direct exposure to investors, mentorship, and hands-on work with venture firms.

Whether your goal is to become a venture capitalist, startup investor, innovation strategist, or entrepreneur, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to build relevant skills, industry knowledge, and professional relationships.

Fellowship Snapshot

• Host: Chicago:Blend
• Program: Venture Fellowship 2026
• Location: United States
• Duration: Approximately 4–6 Months
• Stipend: USD 1,000
• Eligibility: U.S.-based professionals with at least two years of experience
• Benefits: VC Training, AI Education, Mentorship, Networking, Real VC Experience
• Deadline: June 28, 2026
• Program Start: September 2026