It is difficult to build a product when you and the co-founder have not met in person ever. That said, how would I know given that I have never worked in such a

It is difficult to build a product when you and the co-founder have not met in person ever. That said, how would I know given that I have never worked in such a situation? I am willing to give you the benefit of doubt that this works well for you and your product. IMO, if getting into YC is a very important goal, you simply need to workaround this and do whatever it takes to get into YC. Which includes getting another founder probably. If YC is just a nice to have, I would say just go on and build your awesome product. Re-apply next season (if they reject) and show then what you have already accomplished with a remote co-founder.