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

This article breaks down how EWOR and TusStar 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 TusStar 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.

TusStar's entrepreneurial programs are structured around a "quaternity method" that integrates incubation services, business training, angel investments, and an open platform. Drawing on the extensive experience of TusPark, TusStar provides comprehensive solutions and services to accelerate the development of startups. A key feature is their focus on "incubation + investment," recognizing the crucial role of capital for new ventures. TusStar also offers unique educational support through resources from Tsinghua University and TusHoldings, including tutor matching, entrepreneurship courses, and entrepreneurial salons. They aim to provide an efficient entrepreneurial environment and first-rate service.

In short, while TusStar 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, TusStar 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.

TusStar's mentorship programs connect students and entrepreneurs with experienced professionals to help them scale their ventures. Mentors provide guidance on various aspects, including refining business models, marketing strategies, and navigating the challenges of growth. They offer practical advice, share industry insights, and leverage their networks to create valuable connections for startups. This support is crucial for turning creative ideas into viable businesses and accelerating their development. TusStar also facilitates access to potential investors and helps startups prepare for fundraising. Through tailored support and expert advice, mentors assist in making informed decisions and building sustainable, scalable businesses.

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 TusStar 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.

TusStar offers various funding options to support startups, including angel investments and venture capital. They have established angel investment funds and facilitate connections with venture capitalists and investors through events like pitching sessions. TusStar also leverages its extensive network and partnerships, including those with universities and government entities, to help startups secure capital and explore funding opportunities in different markets, such as China. They support students and entrepreneurs by providing incubation services, training, and a platform to connect with potential investors.

While TusStar 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.

TusStar provides significant community and networking benefits for students and entrepreneurs. It offers access to a global innovation network with over 300 locations, connecting individuals with like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. Through events, workshops, and forums, TusStar facilitates knowledge sharing, provides mentorship, and helps individuals navigate new markets, particularly in China. This ecosystem supports startups in accessing resources, expanding their market reach, and developing essential skills.

While TusStar 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 TusStar 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.

TusStar is a well-regarded incubator network with a significant presence in China and a growing international footprint. It is considered one of the earliest and largest national incubators in China. Its prestige is linked to its origins with Tsinghua University and TusHoldings. TusStar has a selective admission process. They look for startups with innovative products, scalability, and strong prospects. Criteria for admission can include having a proven business model, a suitable product or service for target markets (like China), a committed and skilled team, and sufficient financial resources. The selection process often involves expert appraisal and training. TusStar has incubated thousands of enterprises, with a notable number achieving significant growth and even listing on stock exchanges, indicating a degree of selectivity and success in fostering promising ventures.

While TusStar 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 TusStar 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, TusStar 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