EWOR vs Pad-13 program: 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 Pad-13 program and EWOR, it’s worth asking: Are you building for the campus or for the world?

This article breaks down how EWOR and Pad-13 program 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 Pad-13 program 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.

Pad-13 is Berkeley SkyDeck's incubator program designed for early-stage startups aiming for growth and selection into the SkyDeck Accelerator. It supports companies as early as the idea stage, even with just one or two founders. The program runs for four months and offers startups access to workshops, workspace, and a dedicated Key Advisor/Mentor. A unique educational support feature is the matching of every Pad-13 startup with a key advisor or mentor, a benefit previously only available to accelerator participants. Additionally, startups receive significant in-kind resources from partners.

In short, while Pad-13 program 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, Pad-13 program 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.

At Berkeley SkyDeck's Pad-13 incubator program, mentors play a crucial role in helping early-stage startups scale their ventures. Every startup in the Pad-13 program is matched with a dedicated key advisor or mentor. These mentors provide intensive mentorship and training, leveraging their experience and SkyDeck's vast network of industry experts, advisors, and investors. Mentors assist by offering guidance on refining products, increasing traction, and developing a deeper understanding of running a startup. They also help startups navigate challenges related to product-market fit, go-to-market strategies, and team building. Access to this network and expertise helps startups accelerate their growth and development, making them more competitive for future opportunities like the SkyDeck Accelerator program.

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 Pad-13 program 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.

Pad-13, UC Berkeley SkyDeck's incubator program, primarily supports early-stage startups with resources rather than direct initial funding. While the main SkyDeck Accelerator program provides a $200,000 investment, Pad-13 focuses on helping startups become competitive for future funding rounds. Pad-13 startups gain access to a network of advisors, workshops, office hours, and over $750,000 in resource benefits from partners. Although there's no guaranteed initial investment, the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund has the option to invest up to 10% in an institutional round raised by Pad-13 teams after they join. The program also provides opportunities to pitch to investors at events like the Pad-13 Pitch Competition.

While Pad-13 program 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.

The Pad-13 program, particularly at Berkeley SkyDeck, offers significant community and networking benefits for students and entrepreneurs. It provides access to a vast network of advisors, mentors, investors, and corporate partners through workshops and networking events. Participants can connect with experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals for guidance and support. The program fosters a supportive community among peers, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration. Additionally, events like pitch competitions and demo days provide opportunities to connect with investors and gain exposure.

While Pad-13 program 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 Pad-13 program 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.

The Berkeley SkyDeck Pad-13 program is an incubator for early-stage startups, known for its selectivity and prestige within the startup ecosystem. It serves as a pipeline for the more intensive SkyDeck Accelerator program. Admission is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate around 1.5-2% for the overall SkyDeck programs. While specific criteria for Pad-13 are not as detailed as the Accelerator, the program generally seeks promising early-stage ventures with growth potential. Preference is given to UC-affiliated companies, but startups from around the world are encouraged to apply. Key factors considered include the startup's vision, traction, team background, and fundraising status. The selection process involves an online application, screening, and multiple interview rounds with advisors and industry experts.

While Pad-13 program 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 Pad-13 program 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, Pad-13 program 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