These days 9/10 founders only take on opportunity risk. In real terms, they take on a tiny amount of risk. Undocumented immigrants on the other hand, that's risk. Astronauts, yep, an incredible amount of risk. Founders, no, just hard work.
We’re talking about financials here so it’s referring to financial risk. A highly-qualified and skilled founder is forgoing the guaranteed opportunity to make $1m+ in the time they choose instead to work on their startup. They also risk harming their future earning potential and career prospects if they don’t already have a track record of success. A low-paid worker in this imaginary situation isn’t risking much of anything financially as they’ll (hopefully) get minimum wage either way.
(In practice a lot of small businesses owners use debt and that is where the financial risk lies for them).
These days 9/10 founders only take on opportunity risk. In real terms, they take on a tiny amount of risk. Undocumented immigrants on the other hand, that's risk. Astronauts, yep, an incredible amount of risk. Founders, no, just hard work.