I've known three people personally who created companies in an area they didn't really care about but they thought there was an opportunity and succeeded.

I've known a lot more that start companies in things they're passionate about (e.g. video games) and struggle.

The feel good mantra of our time is damaging. It certainly was to me.

I agree, finding a problem that is actually a problem (even if you aren't "passionate" about it) can work.

But I think that is the main point, seeing something that is an oppurtunity.

I was more reffering to people who "play startup" for startups sake, because it is cool or the done thing.

If there is oppurtunity and solution you don't need to be passionate generally.

There are thousands. But we don't usually call them "startups". We call them "businesses".

No one started a sewer cleaning service because they love cleaning sewers.

I've met a couple of founders who started by searching various "segments" of the "on demand" economy and looking for a niche with little existing (highly visible) competing startups. Seriously these folks had zero experience in the industry and the solution they crafted was certainly not based on some personal experience. In one case they have been pretty successful :)

To be fair, I do feel like there is a certain population disingenuous founders who weave a backstory around the genesis of their startup...but the population, by my estimation is small.

I know of a ton of startups that were successful after pivoting to a completely different idea, such as Twitter and Reddit. Many companies don't start with a great idea, but they discover opportunities while trying to solve something completely different.