Don't let the internet fool you. There is no one that's going to help you. Unless you already know how to get help (for example: you have friends in high places

Don't let the internet fool you. There is no one that's going to help you. Unless you already know how to get help (for example: you have friends in high places) just throw that idea out entirely. YC accepts only 3% of applicants, somewhat arbitrarily. Don't bank on that. The good new is you don't need help. You're a programmer. So start by creating something that people find valuable. Even a few people, as long as they really love it. There's no excuse for not being able to do this. You could do it in 10 hours a week. If you don't know how to do this then you have to learn by trying. Money hurts as much as helps here. You really need to be able to make things without outside help.