Summary:
EWOR has a 0.1% acceptance rate, making it more exclusive than Y Combinator.
Founded by six entrepreneurs with a total valuation of €12 billion.
€60 million committed to supporting exceptional early-stage entrepreneurs.
Offers two programs: Ideation Fellowship for new ideas and Traction Fellowship for existing startups.
The selection process is based on ML-driven pattern recognition and intensive interviews.
EWOR (Extraordinary World) is a highly selective fellowship that's even more exclusive than Y Combinator, boasting an acceptance rate of just 0.1%. With a commitment of €60 million to support top-notch early-stage entrepreneurs, EWOR is revolutionizing the startup landscape.
Who Runs EWOR?
Founded in 2021 by a team of six entrepreneurs with a combined €12 billion in company valuations, EWOR is led by Daniel Dippold, an entrepreneur and CEO with a rich background in technology and startups. Dippold’s mission is to foster a globally competitive environment for European entrepreneurs, attracting talent from prestigious institutions like Stanford and MIT.
Why EWOR?
Dippold emphasizes the need for a global initiative that engages exceptional founders, not just niche-focused programs. Unlike traditional incubators led by professors or consultants, EWOR aims to have unicorn and decacorn founders actively involved in mentorship and co-building.
“We wanted unicorn and decacorn founders to spend all their time with founders, co-hustling with them at the pre-seed level.”
Fellowship Programs
EWOR offers two distinct programs:
1. EWOR Ideation Fellowship
Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs without traction or a solid business idea, this program helps fellows identify opportunities and lay the groundwork for success.
2. EWOR Traction Fellowship
Targeted at founders with existing startups, this program provides hands-on coaching from seasoned entrepreneurs to help scale businesses and prepare for funding rounds.
The Selection Process
EWOR’s selection process is rigorous, utilizing ML-driven pattern recognition and intensive interviews. Out of 35,000 applicants, only 35 are accepted each year, making it one of the most competitive fellowships available.
Community and Flexibility
Dippold explains that the real magic of the pre-seed stage lies in having experienced founders work alongside newer entrepreneurs. EWOR’s decentralized and modular approach allows for flexible participation, accommodating remote teams and varying schedules.
Emphasis on Diversity
With 40% of its leadership team being female, EWOR is actively working to improve gender diversity among its fellows, currently at 24% female founders.
Final Thoughts
Dippold encourages ambitious individuals willing to endure challenges to apply. “If you’re bold, crazy, and ambitious enough to want to change the world, EWOR is the place for you.”
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