I don't think this would work, for the following reasons: 1. Money. While 14-20k isn't that much, it does provide enough money not to have to think about bills

I don't think this would work, for the following reasons: 1. Money. While 14-20k isn't that much, it does provide enough money not to have to think about bills for months. Perhaps even more importantly, taking someone else's money (esp. when that someone else is PG) is a pretty strong incentive to actually produce something. 2. Environment. When you physically move somewhere with the sole purpose of working on your startup, it's a lot more difficult to screw around. Not to mention the fact that you're constantly around your co-founder(s), and other startup founders, and the natural thing to do at that point is "work". 3. Distinction. Because YC is well known, people around you will recognize it. You will have some real level of clout, more so than being a part of a newborn virtual combinator clone. Albeit this one can probably improve with time.. Decent idea though. I personally wish there were more YC type people here in LA.