EWOR vs Rev: Ithaca Startup Works: 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 Rev: Ithaca Startup Works and EWOR, it’s worth asking: Are you building for the campus or for the world?

This article breaks down how EWOR and Rev: Ithaca Startup Works 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 Rev: Ithaca Startup Works 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.

Rev: Ithaca Startup Works offers entrepreneurial programs with a structure that includes accelerator programs, mentorship, resources, co-working space, events, and networking opportunities. Their programs feature four curriculum tracks: an industry-agnostic open track and specialized tracks in AgTech, ClimateTech, and MedTech. These tracks provide tailored training, mentorship, and networking. A unique educational support offered is the Protofacturing Hardware Accelerator, which helps physical product startups bridge the gap between prototyping and manufacturing. They also provide access to a prototyping lab and funding for prototype development. Rev is administered by Cornell's Center for Regional Economic Advancement and supported by Cornell Engineering, leveraging university assets.

In short, while Rev: Ithaca Startup Works 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, Rev: Ithaca Startup Works 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.

Rev: Ithaca Startup Works provides mentorship as a key resource for startups and entrepreneurs, including students. Mentors offer personalized guidance to help ventures launch and grow. This support is crucial for scaling businesses, providing expertise in areas like design for manufacturing, outsourced production, supply chain management, and quality control, particularly for hardware startups. Mentors also connect entrepreneurs to industry-specific networks and potential partners. Through mentorship and other resources like accelerator programs and networking events, Rev equips companies with the tools needed to scale effectively.

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 Rev: Ithaca Startup Works 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.

Rev: Ithaca Startup Works offers various resources to help startups secure funding. While not directly providing large-scale investment, they offer programs and support that can lead to capital. Their Prototyping Hardware Accelerator provides up to $2,000 in funding for prototype development. Rev also connects startups with potential investors and partners through networking events. They offer workshops and mentorship, including guidance on identifying investors and strategies for fundraising. As a business incubator, Rev supports both general entrepreneurs and student-founded startups, providing resources and a workspace. They also facilitate participation in pitch competitions where startups can win funds. Rev's connection to Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Tompkins Cortland Community College helps link student entrepreneurs to these resources.

While Rev: Ithaca Startup Works 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.

Rev: Ithaca Startup Works provides significant community and networking benefits for students and entrepreneurs. It serves as a central hub for the entrepreneurial ecosystem, connecting startups with potential partners, investors, and employees. Through events, workshops, and a co-working space, Rev fosters a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs can connect with peers and share ideas. They also offer mentorship programs, matching startups with experienced professionals who provide guidance and expertise. This network extends to connections with universities like Cornell, Ithaca College, and Tompkins Cortland Community College, further enriching opportunities for learning and collaboration.

While Rev: Ithaca Startup Works 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 Rev: Ithaca Startup Works 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.

Rev: Ithaca Startup Works is a business incubator in Ithaca, NY, known for supporting scalable businesses with job growth potential beyond the local area. It is a collaboration between Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Tompkins Cortland Community College, contributing to Ithaca's reputation as a strong startup ecosystem. While specific acceptance rates aren't readily available, the criteria for admission highlight a selective process focused on a company's potential for growth and impact. Applicants must have a legal entity, maintain general liability insurance, and demonstrate reasonable employment growth potential and a customer market beyond Ithaca. Programs like the Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator also look for companies with functional prototypes and evidence of product-market fit. The prestige of Rev is further enhanced by its affiliation with Cornell University and its role in attracting investment and creating jobs in the region.

While Rev: Ithaca Startup Works 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 Rev: Ithaca Startup Works 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, Rev: Ithaca Startup Works 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