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

This article breaks down how EWOR and Yes!Delft 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 Yes!Delft 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.

YES!Delft offers a range of programs designed to support tech startups at various stages, from idea validation to acceleration and funding. Key features include access to expert guidance, training programs, office space, and a strong network of mentors, partners, and investors. Their programs, like the Validation Program and Accelerator Program, provide structured support through workshops, masterclasses, and one-on-one sessions. A unique aspect is their non-equity model, allowing founders to retain full ownership of their companies. They also offer tailored support for funding and provide access to a broad network of over 300 investors. YES!Delft Students, a student-run organization, further supports aspiring entrepreneurs through events, educational courses, and a dedicated student startup program.

In short, while Yes!Delft 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, Yes!Delft 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.

YES!Delft offers mentorship programs where experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts guide students and startups. Mentors provide valuable insights, advice, and connections to help ventures scale. They assist with refining business strategies, navigating challenges, and offer support based on their own experiences. This includes guidance on business development, marketing, financial planning, and accessing funding and networks. The mentors act as a sounding board and provide objective feedback to help startups achieve their growth ambitions.

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 Yes!Delft 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.

YES!Delft offers various funding options and support to help students and entrepreneurs secure capital. A key option is the YES! Funded program, which provides early-stage funding, often as a convertible loan. They also have an extensive network of over 300 investors, connecting startups with potential national and international funding sources. YES!Delft assists with creating financing plans, building investment cases, developing pitch decks, and preparing startups to pitch to investors. They offer consultancy-based support in sourcing and executing both private investments and public funding instruments. For students specifically, in collaboration with Delft Enterprises, YES!Delft Students offers the Student Entrepreneurship Voucher, a grant of up to €2,500 to help turn ideas into businesses.

While Yes!Delft 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.

YES!Delft provides a vibrant community and extensive network for students and entrepreneurs. They connect individuals with like-minded peers, industry experts, mentors, and investors through various events, workshops, and programs. This ecosystem fosters collaboration, allows for the exchange of ideas and knowledge, and helps startups find potential collaborators, partners, and even co-founders. YES!Delft also facilitates access to a network of specialists and corporate partners, providing valuable connections and potential business opportunities. Their focus is on nurturing and educating students and entrepreneurs, bridging the gap between ideas and successful businesses.

While Yes!Delft 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 Yes!Delft 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.

YES!Delft is a well-regarded startup incubator and accelerator, particularly known for its focus on deep tech and its strong ties with TU Delft. This connection contributes to its prestige within the European startup ecosystem. The selection process for YES!Delft programs is competitive. Applicants typically submit an application outlining their innovative idea and business plan. A committee reviews these applications based on criteria such as innovation, market potential, and team capabilities. Promising candidates are often invited for an interview and may be required to pitch their idea to a panel of experts. The final decision is based on the evaluation against these criteria and the potential fit with YES!Delft's mission.

While Yes!Delft 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 Yes!Delft 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, Yes!Delft 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