35% of entrepreneurs have dyslexia compared to less than 1% of corporate managers. The coping strategies dyslexics develop early, especially delegation and learning from mentors.
Paper: Dyslexic entrepreneurs: the incidence; their coping strategies and their business skills
Why do so many entrepreneurs have dyslexia?
A 2009 study by Julie Logan found a higher incidence of dyslexic traits among entrepreneurs than among corporate managers.
While less than 1% of the corporate managers reported being dyslexic, 35% of the US entrepreneurs identified as having dyslexia. Dyslexic entrepreneurs also reported managing significantly more staff than non-dyslexics.
Julie Logan argues that coping strategies in childhood can become business strengths. Delegation is the big one. If reading and writing are harder, you learn to ask for help early, build a team, and focus on what you do best.
Dyslexic entrepreneurs were also heavily influenced by role models (oftentimes within a family business) and mentors. Conversely, non-dyslexics were more likely to cite education as a primary influence.
I found this paper through Conversation with Tyler where Brendan Foody describes a similar story. Dyslexia forced him to delegate sooner, and it taught him comparative advantage in a very personal way. This does not mean dyslexia causes entrepreneurship, but it does show how constraints can shape useful skills.