TAWANI Foundation awards major grant to boost Chicago:Blend’s VC fellowship program
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Joey Mak
mobile (224) 715-5158
joey@chicagoblend.org
TAWANI Foundation awards major grant to boost Chicago:Blend’s VC fellowship program
CHICAGO – Chicago:Blend, a nonprofit advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the region's venture capital ecosystem, is proud to announce a $35,000 grant from TAWANI Foundation. This funding will support the Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship, which helps underrepresented professionals launch their careers in VC.
“At TAWANI Foundation, we believe entrepreneurship creates a pathway to building wealth, but the opportunity remains out of reach for many marginalized communities. By supporting diversity among startup investors, we can empower more diverse founders. We are proud that our gift will help Chicago:Blend advance this vital work,” said TAWANI Foundation founder Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired)
The Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship is a four-month program designed to prepare underrepresented, aspiring VCs for careers in venture capital. Held every spring and fall, each cohort of 10 fellows receives formal VC finance training, participates in in-person and virtual learning sessions, and engages in curated networking opportunities with Chicago:Blend’s founder and VC network.
Now in its sixth cohort, Chicago:Blend’s fellowship program has supported 64 fellows since 2022, with over 80% of job-seeking alumni securing VC roles at firms like Chicago Ventures, Chingona Ventures, and United Airlines Ventures. Fellows have sourced nearly 900 startups, pitched 50 to local investors, and helped 11 companies secure VC funding, eight of which have diverse co-founders.
“Chicago:Blend’s work is made possible by the generous support of philanthropic leaders like TAWANI Foundation. We’re deeply grateful to Col. Pritzker and the entire TAWANI team for their commitment to diversity and for investing in the future of Chicago’s innovation ecosystem,” said Chicago:Blend chief executive officer Joey Mak.
Chicago:Blend was founded in 2018 by venture capitalists committed to addressing racial and gender inequities in Chicago’s VC industry and beyond. In addition to its flagship VC fellowship program, the organization publishes industry diversity reports and hosts community events throughout the year, earning numerous accolades including the National Venture Capital Association’s prestigious DEI Impact Award in 2023.
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ABOUT CHICAGO:BLEND
Chicago:Blend is a non-profit organization, founded in 2018, to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in Chicago’s venture capital and startup community. The organization measures diversity across Chicago’s VC industry, helps underrepresented professionals secure roles in venture and produces thought leadership content and community events. Chicago:Blend is financially supported by a broad coalition of VCs, foundations, corporations and individual donors. chicagoblend.org
ABOUT TAWANI FOUNDATION
Founded in 2002 by notable philanthropist and entrepreneur Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), TAWANI Enterprises’ philanthropic organization TAWANI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that provides support in the areas of arts and culture, historical preservation, health and wellness, LGBTQ+ and human rights, education, and environmental initiatives. TAWANI Foundation’s vision is to make a sustained and measurable difference for organizations that focus on enriching knowledge, improving health and wellness, and promoting scientific understanding – all with a common goal of making a positive, long-term impact on individuals, communities, and the culture itself. tawanifoundation.org