[throwaway803453]

IIRC after entering your name, "How old are you ?" was the first question on YC's original application, even before asking what you are working on.

It was out in the open back then but perhaps it was removed because it is less relevant now. A 50 year old applicant today would likely had likely been hacking on a computer as young child and YC is getting older too so the culture differences are less significant today.

But if I had to guess you have a 10X better chance getting into YC as a 50+ with co-founders than as a 30 year old solo founder. I am always surprised any VC will fund a solo-founder.

Personally I had applied numerous times to YC as a solo-founder. But as soon as I had co-founders I was invited for an interview. I was 45 at the time and no one cared.