EWOR vs Berkeley SkyDeck: A Complete Comparison

Choosing the right platform to grow your startup can shape everything – from who you build with to how fast you scale. If you’re deciding between Berkeley SkyDeck and EWOR, it’s worth asking: Are you building for the campus or for the world?

This article breaks down how EWOR and Berkeley SkyDeck compare across five key areas – programme structure, mentorship, funding, network, and selectivity – so you can choose the platform that best matches your ambition.

1. Programme Structure and Educational Support

Both EWOR and Berkeley SkyDeck offer structured programmes designed to help entrepreneurs grow. But they differ significantly in depth, flexibility, and global access.

EWOR offers two core fellowships:

• Ideation Fellowship, for refining and validating early-stage ideas
• Traction Fellowship, for scaling existing ventures

Both combine founder-led education, expert mentorship, and startup-building resources tailored to your stage. The experience is modular and remote-first – designed to move with you, not slow you down.

Each programme combines founder-led education, real-world mentorship, and global access. Participants get 24/7 access to a curated library of over 200 exclusive videos, workshops, and modules – designed by unicorn founders, investors, and seasoned entrepreneurs. From validating ideas to securing your first term sheet, the modules are tailored to support you and your journey as a founder.

Berkeley SkyDeck offers several programs, including the flagship Accelerator, the Pad-13 incubator for earlier stage startups, and specialized tracks like Climate Tech and Chip Track. The Accelerator program is a six-month, hands-on experience for about 20-25 startups per batch, providing $200,000 in funding and access to a vast network of advisors and resources. A unique aspect is its deep integration with UC Berkeley, offering startups access to university research, faculty expertise, labs, and a large alumni network. SkyDeck also emphasizes a rigorous educational approach with workshops covering essential startup topics.

In short, while Berkeley SkyDeck offers a solid foundation through on-campus resources and local networking, EWOR provides greater flexibility – with a global reach and a more in-depth entrepreneurial curriculum ideal for students seeking international exposure and mentorship.

2. Mentorship Opportunities

Mentorship isn’t just about guidance – it’s about who’s guiding you. EWOR links fellows with unicorn founders, exited entrepreneurs, and top operators across industries. These aren’t guest speakers; they’re active full-time mentors at EWOR, many of whom have built and exited €1B+ companies like SumUp, ProGlove, and Adjust. 

By contrast, Berkeley SkyDeck often leans on faculty or regional entrepreneurs. While valuable, this advice can be theoretical or context-limited. EWOR offers mentorship grounded in real outcomes – helping you tackle investor meetings, product pivots, or global go-to-market strategy with confidence.

Berkeley SkyDeck's mentorship program connects startups with a vast network of over 750 advisors and mentors. These experienced individuals provide crucial guidance on various aspects of scaling a venture, including product development, customer acquisition, go-to-market strategy, and fundraising. Mentors offer one-on-one sessions and leverage their Silicon Valley expertise to help founders refine their business strategies. The program also facilitates introductions to potential customers and investors through the extensive UC Berkeley alumni network and industry partners. This comprehensive support system is designed to help startups become globally competitive and prepare them for securing institutional funding.

At EWOR, mentorship isn’t theoretical – it’s experiential. You’re matched with experienced mentors who are a part of a global network of over 1,000 investors and mentors. Whether you're refining your pitch, making your first hires, or navigating product-market fit, you'll have seasoned operators at your side – helping you move faster and build smarter.

3. Funding and Investment Opportunities

One of the key differences between EWOR and Berkeley SkyDeck is the access to funding. EWOR provides up to €500,000 in funding for selected startups, offering crucial financial support in the early stages. Beyond that, EWOR connects participants with a global network of investors, venture capital firms, and angels. Fellows also take part in what is called the “Grand Pitch”, an exclusive event where they present to hundreds of vetted investors, helping reduce fundraising time by over 80%. On average, EWOR founders raise 130% more than typical pre-seed startups at 2.5x higher valuations, thanks to the quality of the network and hands-on support. It’s not just about finding capital - it’s about raising smarter, faster, and on better terms.

Berkeley SkyDeck offers significant funding opportunities, primarily through the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund. This fund invests $200,000 in each startup selected for its six-month Cohort Program, typically for 7.5% equity. They can also invest up to 10% in a startup's first institutional funding round. SkyDeck supports students and entrepreneurs by providing access to this direct investment and connecting them with a vast network of over 500,000 Berkeley alumni and numerous investors. They facilitate introductions to top-tier VCs and investors, increasing the probability of startups receiving institutional funding. Beyond funding, SkyDeck provides extensive resources, including over 750 advisors and mentors, workshops, events, and in-kind resources valued at over $750,000. This comprehensive support helps startups refine their strategies, build relationships, and secure the capital needed for growth.

While Berkeley SkyDeck may offer grants or seed funding for early-stage startups, EWOR’s ability to provide substantial initial funding and connect entrepreneurs with a global investor network gives it a clear edge in supporting scalable business growth.

4. Networking and Community

Being part of a supportive entrepreneurial community can make a significant difference in an entrepreneur’s journey. EWOR fosters a tight-knit, selective community that includes some of the most promising entrepreneurs from around the world. Participants gain more than just access to mentors, experts, and investors – they join an exclusive network of peers who are just as driven, talented, and committed to building ambitious, high-impact startups. For example, many fellows are working on startups that tackle urgent global challenges such as climate change, education inequality, mental health, and financial inclusion.

Berkeley SkyDeck provides significant community and networking benefits by connecting startups with a vast network. This includes over 510,000 UC Berkeley alumni, who can offer connections to potential customers and industry influencers. SkyDeck also has a large network of over 600 advisors and mentors, providing expert guidance. Through programs and events, students and entrepreneurs can interact with investors, advisors, and industry leaders. The Industry Partner Program further facilitates connections between corporate teams and startups. Additionally, SkyDeck helps match students with startups for internships, fostering connections and providing access to talent.

While Berkeley SkyDeck likely has a strong on-campus community and access to local networks, EWOR’s global reach and exclusive cohort model ensure that participants can connect with a diverse range of entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors from different regions and industries. 

5. Selectivity and Prestige

Both EWOR and Berkeley SkyDeck are selective in admitting participants, but the level of exclusivity differs. EWOR is known for being highly selective, accepting only the top 0.1% of applicants. This ensures that participants are surrounded by equally talented and driven individuals, creating a stimulating environment where excellence is the norm.

Berkeley SkyDeck is a highly selective and prestigious global accelerator, known for its connection to UC Berkeley. With an acceptance rate around 1%, it's one of the most competitive accelerators globally. They select only 20-25 startups for their six-month program every six months. Applicants are chosen based on several criteria, including team expertise, market opportunity, technical innovation, and growth potential. They look for startups with innovative technology and market disruption potential, often with early traction or previous funding. While open to startups from all industries and locations, they prioritize UC-affiliated and international founders. The application process involves an online application, screening, and interviews.

While Berkeley SkyDeck may have its own competitive admissions process, EWOR’s rigorous selection criteria and international focus create a prestigious network of entrepreneurs who are among the best in their field, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and growth.

In case you’re unsure whether EWOR is the right fit for you, here are just a few recent fellows:

• Jørgen Tveit – Oxford engineering graduate, co-designer of a revolutionary underwater flywheel, and recipient of Europe’s largest-ever pre-seed round (€13M).
• Lukas Köstler – PhD in Computer Vision (TUM), ex-Tesla Autopilot engineer, now building a Spatial AI startup backed by Lakestar and Seedcamp (€4M raised).
• Nick D'Aloisio – Founded his first company at 16 (€30M exit to Yahoo), sold his second to Twitter, and is now working on neuro-inspired deep learning.
• Faris Fakhry – MIT nuclear physicist assembling a team to develop a next-gen fission test reactor, backed by Thiel Fellowship founders.
• Rihab Lajmi – Ex-Google/Microsoft engineer with 100k+ followers, now building a conversational AI recruiter targeting a €30B market.

These are the kinds of people you’ll build alongside at EWOR. Don’t settle for average. Build with the exceptional.

That’s a Wrap

Choosing between EWOR and Berkeley SkyDeck isn’t just about comparing features – it’s about deciding the kind of founder you want to become.

If you’re looking for local resources and campus connections, Berkeley SkyDeck may offer a solid start. But if you’re building for something bigger – if you want global mentorship, significant early funding, and a community that challenges you to operate at the highest level – then EWOR is built for you.

Want to see if EWOR’s Ideation or Traction Fellowship is right for you? Explore how our fellowships work – or start your application today.

Image credits: Kaleidico on Unsplash