Your co-founder is wrong, or going about it the wrong way. I don't know what your business is, but if she's already successfully bootstrapped a $100m business, why would she think she needs money to start this venture?
If that money is the $500k from YC, how much difference is $500k going to make for your business?
If it's the valuation post-YC, what makes her think you can get there without the money?
BTW, my co-founder has the same attitude towards YC, and he's only in his 30s, but I'm the one pushing for us to apply. It can't hurt the business, but keep progressing as if you're not going to get in, because that is the most likely outcome anyway.
Maybe I'm sadistic, but I like doing the application, and have been doing them for over a decade now without an invite.
If that money is the $500k from YC, how much difference is $500k going to make for your business?
If it's the valuation post-YC, what makes her think you can get there without the money?
BTW, my co-founder has the same attitude towards YC, and he's only in his 30s, but I'm the one pushing for us to apply. It can't hurt the business, but keep progressing as if you're not going to get in, because that is the most likely outcome anyway.
Maybe I'm sadistic, but I like doing the application, and have been doing them for over a decade now without an invite.