EWOR vs SETsquared business growth 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 SETsquared business growth program and EWOR, it’s worth asking: Are you building for the campus or for the world?

This article breaks down how EWOR and SETsquared business growth 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 SETsquared business growth 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.

SETsquared's business growth programs offer a comprehensive structure to support high-growth potential companies, particularly in the tech sector. Key features include business incubation and acceleration delivered through centers connected to their partner universities. They provide tailored support packages, including business mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs and industry specialists. A significant focus is placed on investor readiness training and introductions to investors, leveraging their strong track record of helping companies raise substantial investment. Unique educational support comes from their connection to six research-intensive universities, providing access to academic expertise, facilities, students, and opportunities for collaborative R&D. They also offer workshops, training, and networking events. Some programs offer grants to address specific growth challenges.

In short, while SETsquared business growth 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, SETsquared business growth 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.

SETsquared's mentorship programs connect students and entrepreneurs with experienced professionals to help scale their ventures. Mentors, often with backgrounds in successfully scaling technology businesses, provide tailored coaching and strategic advice. They assist with challenges like securing growth finance, developing governance structures, and enhancing sales and marketing. Mentors share their wisdom and insights, offering fresh perspectives and helping founders develop new strategies. This support is a key part of the bespoke business assistance provided to member companies, aiming to accelerate growth and improve chances of success.

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 SETsquared business growth 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.

SETsquared offers various funding options and support to students and entrepreneurs. They provide access to an extensive network of investors, including angel investors and venture capitalists. SETsquared assists startups in preparing funding applications and connects them with potential investors through events like investor showcase events. They also offer support in accessing grant funding opportunities. Additionally, some SETsquared programs provide grants, such as a grant of up to £5,000 to address specific growth challenges. SETsquared's support helps startups become investment-ready through mentorship, coaching, and guidance on refining business strategies and pitches. They have a strong track record, with companies supported by SETsquared raising significant investment.

While SETsquared business growth 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.

SETsquared provides significant community and networking benefits through various events, workshops, and networking sessions. These activities connect students and entrepreneurs with like-minded peers, experienced mentors, industry experts, and investors. The program facilitates introductions to potential investors and provides opportunities to pitch ideas at showcase events. Members also gain access to a network of successful companies and can learn from their growth journeys. This vibrant network helps in building valuable connections, gaining insights, and accessing potential funding and business development opportunities.

While SETsquared business growth 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 SETsquared business growth 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.

SETsquared is a highly selective and prestigious business growth program, consistently ranked among the top university business incubators globally. It's a collaboration between six research-intensive universities in the UK. Admission is competitive, focusing on technology startups with high growth potential and a clear market need. Applicants are typically members of one of the partner university incubators or the SETsquared Scale-Up Programme. Key criteria include demonstrating product-market fit, a strong business model, existing revenue and traction, and the potential for significant scaling. Companies should also be ready to seek investment and engage with corporate partners. The program seeks businesses with unique intellectual property or innovative business models, often with existing revenue in excess of six figures and ambitious growth targets. The application process usually involves an online form and a presentation.

While SETsquared business growth 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 SETsquared business growth 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, SETsquared business growth 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