Reading through this list, it seems to me that growing up in the right socioeconomic class and supportive community definitely helps. A lot of it comes down to

Reading through this list, it seems to me that growing up in the right socioeconomic class and supportive community definitely helps. A lot of it comes down to having a very healthy self-confidence, combined with being able to take the financial risks related to startups. For most regular people, taking a risky N-year startup "sabbatical" could severely limit their later career options, along with the opportunity loss of salary. If you ask most 20/30-something young professionals where their priority lies, it's probably either climbing up the career ladder, saving up for a house, or planning a family.