grubstaker
/ˈɡrʌbˌsteɪkər/
noun
- A person who provides money or supplies for a venture (such as mining or a business) in exchange for a share of the profits.
- The grubstaker demanded a 30% share of any gold the miners found.
- The old grubstaker was known for taking chances on young prospectors.
- As a grubstaker, she helped launch three new restaurants in the city.