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

This article breaks down how EWOR and Venture Labs 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 Venture Labs 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.

Venture Labs offers structured accelerator programs designed to help science and tech-focused companies scale up. These programs provide actionable advice, hands-on mentoring, and valuable resources. Key features include mentorship, access to resources, and a focus on growth. Venture Labs also provides unique educational support through workshops, seminars, and other opportunities in partnership with industry experts. They facilitate connections for entrepreneurs, offering a supportive network and collaboration opportunities, including access to potential talent, investors, and partners. Some programs also integrate students for mutual development and provide experiential learning opportunities.

In short, while Venture Labs 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, Venture Labs 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.

Venture Labs offers mentorship programs designed to help students and entrepreneurs scale their ventures. Mentors, often experienced entrepreneurs or industry experts, provide guidance on various aspects of business growth. This includes refining business concepts, developing scalable marketing and sales strategies, and navigating fundraising. They offer one-on-one coaching, help with financial management and corporate governance, and provide pitch practice. Mentors also connect participants with industry leaders, potential investors, and a peer network. Some programs specifically focus on helping companies with viable products achieve growth beyond the initial market entry.

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 Venture Labs 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.

Venture Labs offer various funding options and support to student entrepreneurs. These include access to venture development funding, often tied to achieving specific milestones. Some Venture Labs provide guidance on accessing significant amounts of pre-seed capital through university-affiliated funds. They also help startups connect with potential investors, including angel investors and venture capital firms. Additionally, some programs offer grants for early-stage startups and support in securing federal grants. Beyond direct funding, Venture Labs provide resources like pitch competitions with cash prizes and support for students taking unpaid or underpaid startup internships. This comprehensive approach helps students and entrepreneurs secure the necessary capital to launch and grow their ventures.

While Venture Labs 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.

Venture Labs foster community and networking by providing a collaborative environment for students and entrepreneurs. They offer access to a network of clients, partners, funding sources, and talent. Through workshops, events, and dedicated spaces, Venture Labs facilitate connections with peers, industry leaders, and experts. This allows for knowledge sharing, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to showcase ideas and receive feedback. Some Venture Labs also provide access to online communities and resources, further expanding networking possibilities.

While Venture Labs 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 Venture Labs 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.

Venture Labs are generally selective, focusing on later-stage science and technology companies with existing market traction. While specific acceptance rates can vary, some associated programs, like VC Lab, report acceptance rates below 10%, indicating a high level of selectivity. Applicants are typically chosen based on several key criteria. These include the strength and experience of the team, particularly their commitment and track record. The business concept and demonstrated traction, such as a viable product and early customer adoption, are also crucial. Innovation, market validation, scalability, and coachability are further factors considered for admission. The application process often involves submitting a detailed plan and potentially presenting to an assessment team.

While Venture Labs 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 Venture Labs 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, Venture Labs 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