​Blend:Talks is Chicago:Blend’s flagship event, where graduates of our VC Fellowship program take the stage to share bold, thought-provoking insights on the latest trends impacting venture capital.

​Join us on Wednesday, December 17 as our VC Fellows present their research and perspectives to a room full of investors and industry leaders, marking the exciting culmination of their journey. This is a unique opportunity to connect, learn and celebrate the rising stars shaping the future of VC.

​Since 2022, the Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship has helped more than 80 professionals launch their careers in VC, with 90% of venture-seeking alums securing a VC role post-program.

​Proceeds from this event benefit Chicago:Blend, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization creating a more inclusive venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

​​AGENDA

​Blend:Talks — Run of Show

​3:00p — Doors Open

​3:30p — Blend:Talks by Chicago:Blend VC Fellows

​🌍 Health, Bio, and Deep Tech Frontiers

​Helen Wang – The BioTool Paradox: Investing in the Science Behind Life Sciences
Why early biotools rarely get funded — and why that’s a mistake for biotech’s future.

​Shalise Burch – Fact or Fluff? A Scientist’s Guide to Startup Hype
How to decode scientific red flags, spot real breakthroughs, and sharpen diligence.

​Rashika Rahman – The Longevity Mirage: Luxury Wellness vs. Scalable Health
Why wellness fads matter — and how luxury demand can seed accessible care.

​Shivali Rao – Founders’ Guide to Quantum Investing
What quantum founders need from investors — and how VCs can win in an emerging frontier.

​🧠 Society, Safety, and Civic Innovation

​Rohan Mansukhani – Gun Violence Prevention & Public Safety
An evidence-driven look at startups reshaping community safety.

​Sherrod Crum – Making the Right Friends: Why Community Is Venture’s Next Category in the Loneliness Economy
Why belonging is becoming a product — and how community-driven ventures will win the next decade.

​💡 AI, Infrastructure, and the Future of Work

​Linhan Jiang – Why Supply Chain Sustainability Matters
How supply chain transparency and climate resilience are becoming core drivers of enterprise value.

​5:00p — Cocktail Reception

​7:00p — Event Ends