The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Yonsei University Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Yonsei University, 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 Yonsei University 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.

Yonsei University's local incubators provide valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect students and young entrepreneurs with experienced mentors, including alumni and industry experts. Local mentors offer practical guidance, share their startup experiences, and provide insights into the Korean market and business environment. They help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, refine business models, and develop strategies for growth. This local expertise and network are crucial for early-stage startups establishing themselves in the Korean ecosystem. Mentorship can also provide psychological support and inspiration during the demanding early stages of entrepreneurship.

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.

Yonsei University actively supports student entrepreneurship through its local incubators and various funding opportunities. The Yonsei Enterprise Support Foundation plays a key role in providing practical assistance and revitalizing the startup ecosystem. They offer programs like the S-Cube Startup Membership and corporate establishment support. Yonsei Technology Holdings, affiliated with the university, also provides financial support through direct investment, operating funds, and linking startups to external private investments and loan programs like the Korea Technology Finance Corporation U-Tech. While specific details on seed funding amounts for student startups within the incubators are not readily available, the university's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship is evident through these initiatives and connections to broader startup support programs in Korea, such as the government-backed TIPS program. Additionally, a donation has been made to create startup spaces specifically for future student entrepreneurs.

By choosing EWOR, Yonsei University 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. 

Yonsei University's local incubators foster a strong community to help students build connections and collaborate. Programs like the Yonsei Venture, Innovation and Startup Program (YVIP) aim to build strong networking with entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and government agencies. The Yonsei Enterprise Support Foundation actively supports students through programs that provide networking opportunities and aim to form a community of founders for continuous exchange and cooperation. Events like "Yonsei Startup Synergy" facilitate opinion exchange and collaboration among participants. The university also offers programs that match students with startups for practical experience and networking within the startup ecosystem. Additionally, initiatives like the Sahara AI Campus Connect bring together student innovators from various universities, including Yonsei, to collaborate on projects and connect with industry professionals.

While local incubators at Yonsei University 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. 

Yonsei University actively supports student entrepreneurship through various initiatives, including local incubators. The Yonsei Enterprise Support Foundation (YESF) plays a key role, offering resources like office space, funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. These programs aim to provide comprehensive support from the idea stage through commercialization. While specific details on the format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) for all programs are not explicitly stated, the provision of physical office space and the emphasis on networking events suggest a strong in-person component. Yonsei also offers programs like "Morning Startup" for idea exchange and networking, indicating in-person interaction. The impact on student participation would likely favor those who can be physically present, although some online components or resources may exist to enhance accessibility.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. Yonsei University 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.

Yonsei University's local incubators, such as the Yonsei Venture, Innovation and Startup Program (YVIP) and the Yonsei Center for Social Innovation (YCSI), offer various educational supports to foster entrepreneurial skills. These include providing incubation spaces and networking opportunities. Specific programs and courses include the YSB Startup Competition, Startup Internship Programs, and a Global Startup Internship course. The YCSI offers extra-curricular activities like the Social Innovation Consulting Competition and the Social Innovation Challenge Workshop, which include bootcamps, mentoring, and pitch days. Yonsei also provides specialized courses like "Valuation and Financial Analysis For Startups" and has introduced an Entrepreneurship Intensive Major with practical startup education and project-based courses.

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 Yonsei University'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 Yonsei University 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