Chicago:Blend is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in Chicago’s venture capital and startup ecosystem. We measure inequities in Chicago’s VC industry and help underrepresented talent launch successful careers in venture capital.
Who We Are
Capital buys the power to make decisions, yet it is often misunderstood and out of reach for most, especially marginalized communities.
Founded in 2018 by venture capitalists committed to addressing racial and gender inequities in Chicago’s VC industry, we believe that increasing diversity among investors is key to ensuring that a broader range of entrepreneurs and ideas receive funding.
By measuring the VC diversity gap and empowering a new generation of investors, Chicago:Blend is building an entrepreneurial community that reflects the full potential of our city.
Learn more about our efforts to understand the diversity gap.
Our program is training a new generation of VC investors.
Since day one, Chicago:Blend has been fueled by collaboration with Chicago’s vibrant tech ecosystem.
Our work is made possible through VC and corporate donations, philanthropic grants, individual donors and other community supporters.
Watch our “Voices of Chicago:Blend” video to learn about our impact and the partnerships driving our mission.
Joey Mak is the CEO at Chicago:Blend and has worked in community and economic development for more than two decades, most recently as the head of programs at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, where he launched the organization's workforce training program, led their DEI efforts, and spearheaded their COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force.
He has extensive experience launching new programs and managing private and government grants. From 2018-23, Joey served on the board of the Chinese Mutual Aid Association, a social services agency assisting low-income immigrants. He is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and was recognized on the "40 Under 40" list by Crain's Chicago Business in 2023.
Salvador Dueñas is the Senior Director of Programs at Chicago:Blend, where he leads the Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship, a program dedicated to helping underrepresented, aspiring VCs break into the industry. Under his leadership, 81% of fellows actively applying to VC roles have secured positions in the industry.
Before joining Chicago:Blend, Sal was the Senior Startups Manager at Future Founders, where he ran accelerator programs to help underrepresented founders achieve product-market fit. During his tenure, startups in the program collectively generated over $300 million in revenue and created more than 1,700 jobs. In 2021, Sal was named on the "25 Under 25" list by Chicago Inno.
Partner, Chicago Ventures
Founder & Managing Partner, Vitalize VC
Managing Partner, Grid Capital
Founder & Managing Director, Sandalphon Capital
Founder & Managing Partner, Capitalize VC
Senior Manager of Sales Strategy, Relativity
Principal, Cleveland Avenue
Chief Operating Officer, Pie
Co-Founder, Fifth Star Funds
Chief of Staff and Inclusive Partnerships, World Business Chicago
