The Traction Fellowship.
Designed to amplify you in scaling a company with global impact.

Apply for Fellowship
Name: Alex Harston

Title: Co-Founder at Flow.bio

Description: Can't recommend EWOR enough if you have an early-stage startup or even just an idea for one - it's a fantastic programme that's definitely worth applying to: https://ewor.com/apply/
Name: Olaf Schmitz

Title: Management, Strategy, SaaS, Cloud-Computing, E-Commerce, Online-Publishing, HVAC / Climate-Solutions, Cycling & Musicproduction

Description: 🚀 I had the honor of participating in an EWOR event in Nantes this week, where the air buzzed with innovation and the spirit of entrepreneurship. As someone who has nurtured numerous founders on their journeys to reshape industries and redefine societal norms, I felt an immense sense of pride and belonging among these trailblazers.Name: Stefan Balg

Title: MD and Co-Founder of INSRD | Angel Investor @blackdor 

Description: 📢 I'm truly excited to share with you that INSRD has joined EWOR's post-idea Program and also secured EWOR as an investor in our pre-seed round. 📢
Let me share with you why and maybe even inspire some of the founders in my network to do the same.Name: Valeriy Bykanov

Title: Founder, CTO, Angel Investor | Outdoor adventure community for entrepreneurs

Description: The People - the key element making EWOR Connect such an extraordinary experience. A group of truly remarkable individuals, carefully selected by the EWOR team, coming together for a few days to connect in the magnificent château in the French countryside.
Name: Alex Harston

Title: Co-Founder at Flow.bio

Description: Can't recommend EWOR enough if you have an early-stage startup or even just an idea for one - it's a fantastic programme that's definitely worth applying to: https://ewor.com/apply/
Name: Olaf Schmitz

Title: Management, Strategy, SaaS, Cloud-Computing, E-Commerce, Online-Publishing, HVAC / Climate-Solutions, Cycling & Musicproduction

Description: 🚀 I had the honor of participating in an EWOR event in Nantes this week, where the air buzzed with innovation and the spirit of entrepreneurship. As someone who has nurtured numerous founders on their journeys to reshape industries and redefine societal norms, I felt an immense sense of pride and belonging among these trailblazers.Name: Stefan Balg

Title: MD and Co-Founder of INSRD | Angel Investor @blackdor 

Description: 📢 I'm truly excited to share with you that INSRD has joined EWOR's post-idea Program and also secured EWOR as an investor in our pre-seed round. 📢
Let me share with you why and maybe even inspire some of the founders in my network to do the same.Name: Valeriy Bykanov

Title: Founder, CTO, Angel Investor | Outdoor adventure community for entrepreneurs

Description: The People - the key element making EWOR Connect such an extraordinary experience. A group of truly remarkable individuals, carefully selected by the EWOR team, coming together for a few days to connect in the magnificent château in the French countryside.
Name: Seb Haugeto

Title: Building Dealflow, Forbes 30U30 

Description: When growth is good, all is good ⚡️
Last week we joined the hottest fund in Europe right now @ EWOR.Name: Max Osborne

Title: Founder at ThisThat - winner of best tech in influencer marketing - global leader in marketing measurement and strategy

Description: 📣 Big News!ThisThat has raised from not just one, but FOUR unicorn founders 🦄🦄🦄🦄 Why? Advertising has evolved. Market research hasn’t. And at ThisThat we've set out to and are committed to evolving market research. ✨Name: Lukas Köstler

Title: 3D CV & AI

Description: We have been part of EWOR since last year, and it has been phenomenal. They supported SE3 Labs from the beginning and have helped with advice, intros, and an extraordinary community.Name: Luke Ferris

Title: CEO OriginAI | Gen AI, ex Bain, INSEAD MBA

Description: Hi all! Thanks for following along on the OriginAI journey. I've got two exciting bits of news today. First we've raised a pre-seed round from the fine people at EWOR. Thanks to Daniel W. Dippold and Florian Huber particularly for your support! I'm really looking forward to working with you.
Name: Lukas Köstler

Title: 3D CV & AI

Description: We have been part of EWOR since last year, and it has been phenomenal. They supported SE3 Labs from the beginning and have helped with advice, intros, and an extraordinary community.Name: Max Osborne

Title: Founder at ThisThat - winner of best tech in influencer marketing - global leader in marketing measurement and strategy

Description: 📣 Big News!ThisThat has raised from not just one, but FOUR unicorn founders 🦄🦄🦄🦄 Why? Advertising has evolved. Market research hasn’t. And at ThisThat we've set out to and are committed to evolving market research. ✨Name: Luke Ferris

Title: CEO OriginAI | Gen AI, ex Bain, INSEAD MBA

Description: Hi all! Thanks for following along on the OriginAI journey. I've got two exciting bits of news today. First we've raised a pre-seed round from the fine people at EWOR. Thanks to Daniel W. Dippold and Florian Huber particularly for your support! I'm really looking forward to working with you.Name: Seb Haugeto

Title: Building Dealflow, Forbes 30U30 

Description: When growth is good, all is good ⚡️
Last week we joined the hottest fund in Europe right now @ EWOR.
Name: Johannes King

Title: Digital Warehousing for the Construction Industry

Description:I just graduated from the EWOR Fellowship! 🚀
So let me take this as an opportunity to summarize what happened so far on my EWOR journeyName: Kacper Szklarczyk

Title: AI-Driven Grant Fundraising | Forbes 25u25

Description: Yesterday was a BIG day for us at OpenGrant Inc. We had over 120 top-notch investors including Sequoia Capital, Balderton Capital, 10x Founders, Earlybird Venture Capital, Cherry Ventures, Visionaries Club, La Famiglia, HV Capital, Redstone, Capnamic, World Fund, 4P CAPITAL, Planet A Ventures, HTGF | High-Tech Gründerfonds, Tiburon, Speedinvest and many well-known angel investors join us for the Demo Day. Name: Beth Kume-Holland

Title: Award-winning Founder and CEO of Patchwork Hub | Power 100 Most Influential Disabled People in the UK | Disability advocate & speaker | Harvard University Kennedy Scholar | Oxford University Research Fellow

Description: Europe’s answer to Y-Combinator = EWOR
A brilliant article by EU-Startups on a leading organisation in Europe’s entrepreneurship eco-system.Name: Charlie Simionescu-Marin

Title: Bringing Confidence to Asset Managers with Advanced AI | Quanted Co-Founder & EWOR Fellow

Description: Bringing Confidence to Asset Managers with Advanced AI | Quanted Co-Founder & EWOR Fellow
Name: Johannes King

Title: Digital Warehousing for the Construction Industry

Description:I just graduated from the EWOR Fellowship! 🚀
So let me take this as an opportunity to summarize what happened so far on my EWOR journeyName: Charlie Simionescu-Marin

Title: Bringing Confidence to Asset Managers with Advanced AI | Quanted Co-Founder & EWOR Fellow

Description: Bringing Confidence to Asset Managers with Advanced AI | Quanted Co-Founder & EWOR FellowName: Beth Kume-Holland

Title: Award-winning Founder and CEO of Patchwork Hub | Power 100 Most Influential Disabled People in the UK | Disability advocate & speaker | Harvard University Kennedy Scholar | Oxford University Research Fellow

Description: Europe’s answer to Y-Combinator = EWOR
A brilliant article by EU-Startups on a leading organisation in Europe’s entrepreneurship eco-system.Name: Kacper Szklarczyk

Title: AI-Driven Grant Fundraising | Forbes 25u25

Description: Yesterday was a BIG day for us at OpenGrant Inc. We had over 120 top-notch investors including Sequoia Capital, Balderton Capital, 10x Founders, Earlybird Venture Capital, Cherry Ventures, Visionaries Club, La Famiglia, HV Capital, Redstone, Capnamic, World Fund, 4P CAPITAL, Planet A Ventures, HTGF | High-Tech Gründerfonds, Tiburon, Speedinvest and many well-known angel investors join us for the Demo Day. 

The Traction Fellowship focus
is on helping you...

Raise a Huge Round

Through our team’s network of over 1,000 investors, we can help you raise a round at any point in time. EWOR Fellows hold the record for the largest-ever pre-seed round of a first-time founder in Europe (€13M).

Set Up Your Company
for Unicorn Scale

Through intense 1-1 coaching with one of our Partners, mentoring from unicorn founders, and over 200 bespoke educational videos on our platform, we’ll set your company up for unicorn scale. No obligations, only options.

A Network and Mindset Transformation

Join EWOR Productivity Circles with the most exceptional founders in tech and business, join our global EWOR Connect to meet everyone from the community in person, and connect with unicorn founders at our live sessions.

The EWOR Edge

up to € 150K

Investment from EWOR. Millions potentially raised afterwards

2.5x

Higher valuation than the average founder after being accepted into the fellowship 

avg. 130%

More money raised than an average pre-seed founder

0.1%

Acceptance rate.
Outliers only!

Options only — 
no rigid structures

GRAND PITCH

Pitch in front of hundreds of investors and reduce fundraising time by more than 80%

PERKS

Free cloud credits, tickets to Europe’s leading conferences,  templates, and more

Mentor and Expert Access

Connect with the best mentors and experts on your own schedule

COMMUNITY

Rent-free, fun, and transformative experiences in the EWOR House

EDUCATION

Exclusive access to top entrepreneurship education on our platform

Unfair Advantage

We are transforming founders and providing an unfair advantage

A personal transformation journey

Go through a rigorous personal development and entrepreneurship education regime. Join a community of the world’s best founders, and be granted access to an unprecedented network and capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

We invest in people, not companies.
Whether you make €500K ARR or don’t yet have an idea, it doesn’t matter to us. We invest in and support you.

More FAQs
What is the EWOR Traction Fellowship?

For those who already launched their start-up with first traction, the EWOR Traction Fellowship is designed to help them scale their venture.

The Traction Fellowship is split into two phases to make it the most effective. As founders of some of the most successful companies in Europe, our lecturers and mentors have all learned first-hand what it takes to succeed in the business world. They give engaging live lectures in phase one, while the second phase gives EWOR members access to hundreds of resources on our platform, network, and feedback sessions with our mentors.

Is it possible to secure investment from EWOR outside the standard batch periods?

Yes. While the main fellowship intakes are in April and September, we’re flexible with investment timing. We regularly assess applications and can make investments at any stage — before, during, or after the fellowship. Our commitment to supporting startups extends beyond the structured fellowship dates to ensure innovative ideas receive the necessary backing when it’s most critical. After you get accepted to the fellowship, we will enable you to join the next batch. So, for example, if you apply and get accepted in March, you will still be able to join our April batch.

How soon can I expect a response after submitting my application?

We strive to respond to your application within a few days. However, please note that if you apply closer to the deadline, our response time might extend up to 2 weeks.

Can I apply to the EWOR Fellowships if I already have a start-up?

For those who already launched a start-up, the EWOR Traction Fellowship is designed to help them scale it.

What is the difference between the Ideation and Traction Fellowships?

For those who don’t have traction for their business idea yet, the EWOR Ideation Fellowship is entirely remote and turns an aspiring entrepreneur into a business owner. For those who do already have traction, the EWOR Traction Fellowship is designed to help them scale their venture. The Traction Fellowship is split into two phases to make it the most effective. As founders of some of the most successful companies in Europe, our lecturers and mentors have all learned first-hand what it takes to succeed in the business world. They give engaging live lectures in phase one, while the second phase gives EWOR members access to hundreds of resources on our platform, network, and feedback sessions with our mentors.

Where can I apply to the EWOR Traction Fellowship?

Apply for our Fellowships using the application form on the website. It’s an extensive questionnaire that inquires about your experiences, motivations, and qualifications. Applicants typically take at least 30 minutes to complete the questionnaire.

Can I apply with my co-founder?

Sure! We encourage you to choose one person to apply (preferably the CEO or CTO) and list all other co-founders in the application form. There is no need to apply twice for the same start-up. Once admitted, your co-founder(s) are able to join the Fellowship as well.

From what industries or technology sectors do you accept companies?

We do not limit our talent pool to a specific industry or technology sector. We accept founders and aspiring entrepreneurs from all industries and technology sectors.

How many talents do you accept?

The EWOR Ideation and Traction Fellowships have an acceptance rate of 0.1%.Our selection committee consists of successful serial entrepreneurs and start-up investors - including several unicorn founders.

What time are the live sessions and do I need to attend them?

The live sessions are in the late afternoon or early evening CET time, but you will receive information on your schedule during the onboarding process. We do expect our Traction Fellows to be present for these feedback sessions. However, we understand that in some cases, circumstances will prohibit talents from participating.

What is the Grand Pitch?

The Grand Pitch takes place at the end of the Traction Fellowship and offers an opportunity to pitch your start-up in front of a diverse group of angel investors and early-stage VC funds. We will help you prepare for this virtual event during feedback and mentoring sessions.

Are there any tuition fees?

There is no tuition fee for the Traction Fellowship. EWOR will invest in selected start-ups up to €150K at a €1.5M post-money valuation cap.
All Traction Fellows receive an investment.


Will I receive a salary by joining the Traction Fellowship?

Once you join the EWOR Traction Fellowship, we might invest in your recently-founded company to help you succeed. Nevertheless, you will not receive a salary for participating in the fellowship.

Do you offer funding?

EWOR will invest in selected start-ups up to €150K at a €1.5M post-money valuation cap. Our investment timing for Traction Fellowship applicants is flexible, as we can make investments at any stage - before, during, or after the fellowship officially kicks off. All Traction Fellows receive an investment.


Does EWOR take equity in my company?

EWOR will invest in selected start-ups up to €150K at a € 1.5M post-money valuation cap and receive equity accordingly. All Traction Fellows receive an investment.