EWOR vs BLOCK71: 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 BLOCK71 and EWOR, it’s worth asking: Are you building for the campus or for the world?

This article breaks down how EWOR and BLOCK71 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 BLOCK71 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.

BLOCK71's entrepreneurial programs are structured to support startups at various stages, from ideation to international expansion. They feature a global network of locations, providing startups with access to new markets and resources. Key features include experiential entrepreneurial education, active industry partnerships, and holistic entrepreneurship support. BLOCK71 offers unique educational support through dedicated mentorship from industry veterans and successful entrepreneurs, tailored to the startup's specific needs and stage. They also provide access to funding opportunities and exclusive networking events. The programs aim to cultivate global mindsets and connect startups with the university's technology, expertise, and business networks.

In short, while BLOCK71 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, BLOCK71 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.

BLOCK71's mentorship programs connect students and entrepreneurs with experienced founders, operators, and industry experts. Mentors provide guidance, share hard-won insights, and challenge thinking to help sharpen strategy and accelerate growth. They assist in areas like validating products, fundraising, and navigating international expansion. Mentorship is flexible, offered through one-on-one sessions, deeper dives with mentors-in-residence, and group discussions. This support is crucial for startups aiming to build and scale their companies faster within the global BLOCK71 network.

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 BLOCK71 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.

BLOCK71, an initiative by NUS Enterprise, supports students and entrepreneurs in securing capital through various avenues. They provide access to funding, connecting startups with investors like VCs, angel investors, and strategic investors. BLOCK71 facilitates this through their global network and organized events and networking sessions. They also offer tailored incubation and accelerator programs, which can include seed capital and mentorship to help startups become investor-ready. Specifically for NUS students and alumni, BLOCK71 offers grants for early to growth stage startups. Programs like the Deep SAGE Programme also offer opportunities for funding and connections with investors. Overall, BLOCK71 acts as a tech ecosystem builder and global connector, providing resources and opportunities for startups to raise capital and grow.

While BLOCK71 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.

BLOCK71 cultivates a vibrant community and provides significant networking benefits for students and entrepreneurs. It offers co-working spaces and hosts regular events like pitch nights, workshops, and industry talks. These activities facilitate connections with peers, experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. BLOCK71 also provides access to a global network of resources and contacts, helping startups explore new markets and connect with potential partners and investors internationally. This ecosystem building and global connectivity are integral to its mission.

While BLOCK71 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 BLOCK71 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.

BLOCK71, an initiative by NUS Enterprise, holds a degree of prestige within the startup ecosystem, particularly in Asia and with growing connections in the US. Its association with the National University of Singapore, a highly-ranked university, contributes to its reputation. BLOCK71 has a history of incubating successful startups, including unicorns. The selection process for BLOCK71 programs is competitive. Applicants are typically early-stage, for-profit tech companies, often with a focus on areas like AI, SaaS, robotics, manufacturing, and healthcare. Criteria for admission include having a legally registered business, an active presence or interest in growing in Asia, and not having reached later funding rounds (e.g., Series B). For some programs, having paying customers, strong retention rates, and a scalable business model are also important considerations. The application process can involve submitting an expression of interest, followed by shortlisting and interviews with panels from NUS Enterprise and partners. They look for strong business plans, capable founding teams, market understanding, and often a prototype or existing product.

While BLOCK71 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 BLOCK71 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, BLOCK71 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