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

This article breaks down how EWOR and The Garage 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 The Garage 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.

The Garage at Northwestern University offers a variety of entrepreneurial programs designed to support students at different stages of their startup journey. Key features include dedicated co-working space, access to a prototyping lab with 3D printers and other equipment, and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Programs range from the entry-level Tinker Program for exploring ideas to the Residency Program for more developed startups, which provides 24/7 access and dedicated mentors. Unique educational support includes "Office Hours" with staff and subject matter experts, as well as "Startup Matchmaking" sessions to help students find team members. They also offer funding opportunities like the Opportunity Fund for low-income students and the NUseeds investment fund.

In short, while The Garage 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, The Garage 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.

The Garage at Northwestern University offers various mentorship programs to support student entrepreneurs. These programs connect students with experienced mentors, including alumni founders, operators, investors, and industry professionals. Mentors provide guidance on a range of topics crucial for scaling ventures, such as legal issues, attracting funding, and developing business strategies. For example, the Jumpstart program assigns a "Growth Mentor" to guide startups throughout the 10-week accelerator. The Propel Program specifically empowers female entrepreneurs through mentorship and exposure to women leaders. Mentors also offer practical advice through office hours and workshops.

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 The Garage 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 Garage at Northwestern University offers various funding options to support student entrepreneurs. These include programs like the Jumpstart Pre-Accelerator, which provides resources and coaching with a $10,000 award and a non-dilutive prize pool. The Opportunity Fund offers up to $1,000 for lower-income students to cover initial business expenses. NUseeds is a $4M pre-seed/seed investment fund for student-founded startups, offering $10,000 to $100,000 in exchange for equity. The Propel Program provides mentorship and stipends up to $1,000 for women students. Additionally, VentureCat, an annual pitch competition, awards significant prize money. The Garage also connects students with mentors and provides resources to help them secure capital.

While The Garage 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 Garage at Northwestern University provides a vibrant entrepreneurial community for students and entrepreneurs. It offers a space for building ideas and fosters connections among students, mentors, alumni, and industry professionals. Through programs like Startup Matchmaking, students can connect with startups looking for team members. The Garage also facilitates mentorship and provides access to a network that can lead to collaborations and future opportunities. This environment helps students develop essential skills like networking and leadership.

While The Garage 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 The Garage 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 Garage at Northwestern is a hub for student entrepreneurship, offering various programs to help students explore and launch startups. While Northwestern University is highly selective with a low acceptance rate, The Garage itself has different levels of access and selectivity for its programs. The Tinker Program is an entry-level option open to all full-time students with an idea. The more selective Residency program requires students to have been a Tinkerer for at least one academic quarter. Admission to programs like the Jumpstart summer accelerator is likely more competitive, involving an application process that considers the potential of the student teams and their startup ideas. Criteria for admission to specific programs would focus on the viability and progress of the startup, as well as the commitment of the student team.

While The Garage 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 The Garage 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, The Garage 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