Chicago:Blend’s Post

For today’s gratitude post, I’d like to take a moment to highlight an invaluable partner in our ecosystem — OCA Ventures. For 25 years, OCA Ventures has been a key player in driving innovation, backing visionary founders across technology, finance, and healthcare. Their portfolio includes successful companies like Cleversafe, Inc., SpotHero, Ocient and others, but beyond investments, they’ve also been strong supporters of initiatives that help strengthen our community, including Chicago:Blend. OCA’s impact goes beyond financial contributions. The team has consistently dedicated their time and expertise to support our events, programming and initiatives. And earlier this year, they hosted one of our VC Fellows, Jagoda Rokicka, during her time in our program, helping her build essential industry connections and gain valuable experience. A special congratulations goes to OCA's CEO and Managing Partner, Jim Dugan, who last night received the Stanley C. Golder Award by the Illinois Venture Capital Association (IVCA). This award recognizes leaders in Chicago’s private equity and venture capital community, and Jim’s leadership continues to inspire. His call for greater diversity in the industry was a powerful moment during his acceptance speech, and we look forward to hearing more at tomorrow’s Blend:Talks event, where Jim will join us as a guest speaker to help celebrate our graduating class of VC fellows. Thank you to Jim and the entire OCA Ventures team for your continued support and commitment to making a positive impact! Bob Saunders Kelley Quinn Steve Shein, CFA === 💡 Learn more about OCA Ventures 👉 https://lnkd.in/dndWT7wz 🎥 Catch Jim Dugan at Blend:Talks on 12/11 👉 https://lu.ma/3u56spqq