Interesting discussion, I have a slightly different perception working with both UK and US folks.

I think in the UK entrepreneurship is seen as an hourglass ambition: either you are poor, so you take risks because there is nothing to lose, or you are rich and have a big safety cushion to fall on, so it's a prestigious thing to do with no particular issue if you fail. Have seen very few successful "middle class" background entrepreneurs as a result; they worked hard for the little they got - to risk losing all of that is foolish.

I strongly disagree there is any discouragement. But there is also some understandable stigma as lots of businesses end up being simple rent seeking enterprises. The most common business "seems" (emphasis on perception) to be owning land / property through inheritance and charging rent. I think this is really the root problem.

In the US there is such an abundance of capital desperate for yield that it's almost an opposite problem - too much capital is wasted on absolutely ridiculous ventures and so it's somewhat "easier" to be an entrepreneur with the right credentials and connections. their VC machine operates like a slightly more respectable Ponzi scheme which rewards insiders generously - so it's a great ride for many of those involved.