my 2cts: just do what it takes to go! Few opportunities can change lives in a positive black swan way... Myself I plan on selling more of our stuff to pay for the trip from Europe. If I can help you with $50 or 100 let me know what you are good at that you could help our startup with. (email on HN profile)

Same reason I didn't even apply.

It'd be an amazing experience to be surrounded by hackers (there aren't many here an hour outside Atlanta), and it's something I'd love to be able to put on my resume, but there's no way I can afford it while unemployed and going to college.

I wonder if you are interested in transferring the invite to someone who is able to go?

Do they do a waitlist for this event?