Championing Diversity and Hiring the Next Generation of Venture Capitalists

TechNexus team members share their path into venture capital through programs like Chicago:Blend's Venture Fellow Program. A look at how the firm is building a more diverse next generation of VCs by operating unconventionally and recruiting from unexpected backgrounds.

Neethi Nayak, Venture Manager at TechNexus and Chicago:Blend’s Chicago Venture Fellow Program alum Devin Brown, Venture Associate at TechNexus and Chicago:Blend’s Chicago Venture Fellow Program alum A first-of-its-kind Venture Collaborative, TechNexus operates unconventionaly. We work with corporations to build early-stage venture portfolios that are both strategic and financially attractive. For more than a decade, our approach has been distinct, and in tandem, we’ve always valued diversity of thought and background within our team. When Chicago:Blend entered the Chicago tech scene, TechNexus was quick to sign up as a VC Champion. The Chicago:Blend Venture Fellowship is a four-month cohort program for underrepresented, aspiring VCs to gain valuable experience sourcing and evaluating deal flow while expanding their networks and their knowledge of VC. Since the launch of the program, our team members have been participating on the advisory board, serving as interviewees and mentors to the Fellows, and providing coworking space for the CVF cohorts at TeamWorking by TechNexus . Our team has grown over the years, and we are thrilled to introduce two of our newest hires – both of whom are alums of Chicago:Blend’s Chicago Venture Fellow Program – Neethi Nayak and Devin Brown . Neethi joins us from the University of Chicago, where she recently graduated with a dual degree (MBA / MPP). Neethi brings experience in sustainability, ESG, and energy, among other interests. Neethi has been working with us part-time since last fall, and we’re thrilled to have her on board full-time now! Devin comes to TechNexus from West Monroe Partners, where he worked on the M&A team executing due diligence for private equity firms. His path to VC included several fellowships; at Chicago:Blend, Serac Ventures, and Swanlaab USA Ventures. Diversity in the venture capital industry has been a rallying call for years. At TechNexus, recognizing the importance of a diverse team goes beyond a mere b

By Kaitlyn Doyle at TechNexus Venture Collaborative