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

This article breaks down how EWOR and PSL-Pépite 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 PSL-Pépite 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.

PSL-Pépite offers a comprehensive entrepreneurial program for students and young alumni, providing a 360° immersion in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Paris. The program includes classroom instruction, personalized support, workshops, lectures, hackathons, coworking spaces, and corporate relations. Students can pursue a Student Entrepreneur degree (D2E) and benefit from various tracks depending on their project's stage. Unique support includes personalized mentoring, supplemental instructional modules, and assistance with media development, crowdfunding, and participation in entrepreneurial competitions. PSL-Pépite also facilitates legal support through a partnership with the PSL-Dauphine Legal Clinic.

In short, while PSL-Pépite 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, PSL-Pépite 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.

PSL-Pépite offers mentorship programs where students and young alumni with entrepreneurial projects receive support. Mentors, often experienced entrepreneurs or professionals, provide personalized guidance. They share their diverse professional experiences, practical knowledge, and open their networks to create opportunities. This helps students develop key skills, overcome challenges, and refine their projects. The goal is for students to leverage mentor expertise for growth and project success, including aspects like marketing and business model adaptation, crucial for scaling ventures. This support is a key component of the program's aim to equip students with the skills and accompaniment needed to realize their projects.

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 PSL-Pépite 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.

The PSL-Pépite program offers various forms of support for student entrepreneurs, including the Student Entrepreneur degree (D2E). While direct funding options are not explicitly detailed as readily available to all participants, the program provides crucial resources to help students secure capital. This includes support in developing business plans, refining business models, and connecting with the entrepreneurial ecosystem. PSL-Pépite assists with crowdfunding projects and press campaigns, and highlights startups at relevant events. Additionally, through affiliated incubators like Dauphine - PSL's D-Incubator, students and alumni may gain priority access to funding solutions such as PIA ("Investing in the Future") funding and interest-free loans. The program also helps students prepare for regional and national entrepreneurship competitions, which can provide prize money.

While PSL-Pépite 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 PSL-Pépite program fosters a strong community and provides valuable networking opportunities for students and entrepreneurs. It connects them with peers through shared workspaces like the PSL-Lab, facilitating collaboration and idea exchange. The program also links students with experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals through workshops, lectures, and personalized mentoring. This helps students develop essential soft skills, gain practical knowledge, and build a network for future career development and potential collaborations. PSL-Pépite also supports participation in entrepreneurial events and competitions, further expanding networking possibilities.

While PSL-Pépite 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 PSL-Pépite 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 PSL-Pépite program is part of a national network in France supporting student entrepreneurship, indicating a level of governmental recognition and structure. PSL-Pépite itself is the hub within Université PSL, a highly-ranked institution, suggesting prestige by association. To be eligible, applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent, an entrepreneurial project, and be enrolled in a higher education program or the D2E (student-entrepreneur diploma). There is no age limit. Selection involves applying for student-entrepreneur status and presenting the project and team to a committee of academics, entrepreneurs, and partners. The committee evaluates the project and the team.

While PSL-Pépite 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 PSL-Pépite 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, PSL-Pépite 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