Usually in Europe/Japan/Australia/Canada there are fewer entrepreneurs. Maybe its because a wider safety net and narrower differences between rich and poor makes the leap to start a business less rewarding and worthwhile. Maybe people are less comfortable with taking risks.
Sweden is second only to Silicon Valley when it comes to unicorns. My friends there actually credit their safety net - it’s easier to take risks when you know if you fail you won’t end up sleeping in the street.
Founder from Europe here. When I made my decision to go self-employed most people and relatives thought I was foolish. The more so, the lower your/their social class or status is.
I too relate this mindset to our safety net.
But: The upside of being employed is very little risk of anything and a lot of paperwork/bureaucracy is done for you (Healthcare, unemployment insurance, retirement, accidents, your taxes etc). You'll pay a hefty premium for being employed but then again most others do too. So going self-employed is not just a bad deal in terms of risk it is also bad in terms of non-income related extra-work you have to take on.
