The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons University of California, Los Angeles Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at University of California, Los Angeles, you may be familiar with the local incubators and entrepreneurial programmes offered on campus. While these initiatives provide valuable support, expanding your horizons could significantly increase your odds of long-term success. In fact, one study found that 87% of startups that went through top-tier programmes were still active after five years, compared to just 44% of those that went it alone. That’s the kind of difference the right programme can make.

But how do you know if an incubator programme is right for you? With so many rigid, one-size-fits-all options out there, finding the right fit can be tough. That’s where EWOR comes in: a uniquely flexible platform combining global mentorship, funding opportunities, and a prestigious network – designed specifically to help ambitious founders thrive.

In this article, we’ll explore five key reasons why University of California, Los Angeles students should look beyond their local incubators and consider EWOR to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey.

1. Access to Global Mentorship

Many university incubators and local programmes offer mentorship from faculty, alumni, or nearby founders. While helpful, these perspectives are often limited to regional markets and conventional startup paths.

EWOR operates borderless, on a global scale. Fellows are paired with mentors who have founded and scaled companies across continents and industries – including unicorns like SumUp, Adjust, and ProGlove. Rather than sporadic office hours, mentorship is built into the fabric of the programme – modular, consistent, and personal.

UCLA's local incubators offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. Programs like the Venture Accelerator at UCLA Anderson and Startup UCLA connect founders with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. This local network provides practical advice, feedback, and industry-specific knowledge crucial for navigating the startup landscape in Los Angeles. Mentors assist with refining business strategies, product development, and gaining access to capital and resources. The value of these local connections lies in their understanding of the regional ecosystem and ability to provide tailored support, fostering a collaborative environment where startups can thrive.

With EWOR, you’ll have the chance to work with mentors who have scaled their businesses across different countries and industries, providing invaluable insights that can help your startup succeed in the global marketplace.

2. Larger Funding Opportunities

While local incubators may provide grants or limited seed funding, securing substantial capital is often a challenge for early-stage entrepreneurs. EWOR offers up to €500,000 in initial funding for selected startups, which can significantly boost your ability to develop your business. Moreover, EWOR provides access to a global network of investors, venture capital firms, and angel investors, ensuring that you have the opportunity to secure further rounds of funding as your startup grows.

UCLA offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its local incubators and programs. The Anderson Venture Accelerator is a key incubator supporting student-led ventures with resources and connections. Startup UCLA, including its Summer Accelerator, provides early-stage tech startups with workspace, guidance, and access to investors. While specific seed funding amounts can vary, programs like the Lowell Milken Institute-Sandler Prize for New Entrepreneurs offer significant prize money through business plan competitions exclusively for UCLA students. Additionally, the student-led Anderson Venture Impact Partners provides seed capital to startups focusing on social and environmental impact. These initiatives, along with connections to alumni and external investors, create a supportive ecosystem for student entrepreneurs seeking funding.

By choosing EWOR, University of California, Los Angeles students can tap into larger funding sources, giving them the financial support needed to scale their businesses more effectively.

3. A Highly Selective and Prestigious Network

One of the main advantages of EWOR is the highly selective nature of its community. EWOR accepts only the top 0.1% of applicants, bringing together some of the world’s most talented and ambitious entrepreneurs. 

This exclusivity doesn’t just elevate the quality of each cohort — it also unlocks access to an extraordinary network of investors, mentors, and industry leaders. Just to name a few: Fabrice Grinda, one of the world’s leading angel investors and founder of OLX; Christian Kroll, founder of Ecosia, Europe’s largest search engine after Google; and Vaitea Cowan, co-founder of Enapter, (€640M IPO) and a Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Energy. 

UCLA's local incubators foster a strong network and community to support student entrepreneurs. Programs like the Anderson Venture Accelerator and Startup UCLA connect students with alumni, mentors, investors, and industry partners. These connections provide guidance, expertise, and potential funding opportunities. The incubators also facilitate collaboration among students from diverse fields, such as business, engineering, and health sciences, encouraging interdisciplinary teamwork and "outside the box" learning. Events like demo days and workshops further strengthen this community by providing platforms for showcasing ventures and networking. This collaborative environment helps students build essential connections and gain practical experience in the startup world.

While local incubators at University of California, Los Angeles may provide valuable networking within the campus or regional ecosystem, EWOR’s global network opens doors to entirely new levels of collaboration. Fellows work alongside peers from dozens of countries and industries, connecting with elite investors, unicorn founders, and seasoned operators.

As many fellows have said, the community is one of the most unexpected – and most valuable – parts of the experience. “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

4. Flexibility and Remote Access

Many local incubators require in-person participation, which can be limiting for students balancing coursework, part-time jobs, or other commitments. 

UCLA offers various programs supporting entrepreneurship, including incubators and accelerators. The structure and accessibility vary. Some programs, like the Venture Accelerator at UCLA Anderson, provide a physical co-working space open 24/7, emphasizing in-person collaboration. Others, such as the Startup UCLA: Social Entrepreneurship Summer Institute, offer both virtual and in-person sessions, with some requiring on-campus housing. Additionally, programs like the UCLA (MSU) Summer Research Incubator are entirely virtual. This hybrid approach, while not universally applied across all university offerings, impacts student participation by providing flexibility for those who may face constraints like commuting or needing remote options. However, accessibility for students with disabilities on the physical campus remains a concern due to infrastructure challenges.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of California, Los Angeles students can access top-tier mentorship, founder-led education, and global resources without needing to relocate or follow a rigid schedule. Whether you’re validating an idea or scaling your first product, you’ll have the freedom to build around your life, not the other way around.

And if you're worried about missing out on in-person connection – don’t be. EWOR hosts real-world gatherings like the EWOR Connect and EWOR House, a multi-day retreat where fellows, alumni, and investors connect in person. We also organise city-based meetups and our flagship Grand Pitch event, which brings hundreds of top-tier investors together twice a year. So while the programme is remote-first, it’s far from remote-only.

5. Comprehensive Entrepreneurial Education

Local incubators often provide valuable workshops and learning modules, but they may be limited in scope and depth. EWOR offers over 200 exclusive videos, workshops, and educational modules designed by top entrepreneurs and industry experts. This comprehensive entrepreneurial education covers everything from refining your business idea to scaling and securing funding, ensuring that you develop both as an entrepreneur and a leader.

UCLA's local incubators, such as the Anderson Venture Accelerator and CNSI Magnify, offer educational support to foster entrepreneurial growth. These incubators provide resources like workspace, equipment, and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, faculty, and alumni. UCLA also offers various courses and programs to develop entrepreneurial skills. The Anderson School of Management provides undergraduate entrepreneurship courses covering topics like venture initiation, business plan development, and entrepreneurial finance. Programs like the UCLA Venture Development Program and the UCLA Owners/Presidents Management Program offer educational experiences focused on creating new businesses, strategy, and leadership. Additionally, initiatives like YEP! at UCLA provide free entrepreneurship curriculum and incubator sessions, particularly for underserved students. These offerings aim to equip students with essential skills like opportunity recognition, communication, and critical thinking.

With EWOR, you’ll gain access to a more extensive and detailed entrepreneurial education, giving you the tools needed to overcome challenges and succeed in today’s competitive startup landscape.

That’s a Wrap

While University of California, Los Angeles's local incubators offer great resources for students starting their entrepreneurial journey, EWOR provides an unmatched opportunity for those looking to take their startup to the next level. With access to global mentorship, larger funding opportunities, a highly selective network, flexible remote programmes, and comprehensive entrepreneurial education, EWOR offers University of California, Los Angeles students the chance to build and scale their startups on a global stage. If you’re ready to look beyond local incubators and accelerate your entrepreneurial success, EWOR could be the ideal platform for you.

Image credits: Andrew Stutesman on Unsplash