How do I realistically compete with those who are younger, more nimble, with impressive educational & professional backgrounds? The startup world seems to be far more of a status game nowadays than when I fell in love with it 15 years ago. What does someone with 0 social capital to open doors do, especially at this age?

Show genuine interest in a project, be better at meeting deadlines (by overestimating) than others, show social skills most in tech are weaker at.

There are many edges you can have compared to most tech folk. Why not try using ChatGPT to begin some python and html coding and make some things you can get excited about when showing people?

You don't need social capital for a more entry type role, so don't overthink this

>How do I realistically compete with those who are younger, more nimble, with impressive educational & professional backgrounds?

Most devs out there right now are hot garbage, even with 10+ years experience and a degree. I just went through a few rounds of interviewing applicants, so I know. If you are passionate about it, you need to be building stuff in your spare time and learning constantly. If you don't like it that much, the field probably isn't for you.

If you are really starting from scratch, hit up the recruiting/job sites in your area and learn the language that has the most jobs. You need to learn database too.

The simple answer is you don't. Be realistic about who the competition is and which jobs to aim for.

When reaching for the moon try reaching the top shelf first, and use that to stand on.