Investing can be seen as having a higher chance of success compared to starting a business, because you're putting your money into companies with stronger competitive advantages.
Investing is also not necessarily more successful than starting a venture. While it is true that investment across established companies offers a sense of security, the startup and new businesses are still very potential and successful in some industries, such as AI, fintech, and SaaS. In fact, in 2023, early-stage funding into startups stays robust, with bigger investments for some, though late-stage funding has fallen. Thus, it still is a very good avenue to pursue for those who have great support networks and a calculated risk.
On the other hand, it is also important to take note that 9 out of 10 startups fail, I believe it is where your point about accepting losses comes in. Data shows that many entrepreneurs remain optimistic, with more than expecting their businesses to survive even in challenging economies. .
https://fitsmallbusiness.com/entrepreneurship-statistics/