1. a person who provides money or supplies to a prospector or miner in exchange for a share of any minerals or profits discovered
Usage: chiefly historical; associated with gold rushes and mining ventures
2. a person who finances or supports someone's business venture or project in its early stages
Usage: informal; extended use beyond mining

Examples

• The grubstaker provided the prospector with tools and food in hopes of sharing in the gold discovery.
• During the California Gold Rush, many grubstakers made fortunes by backing successful miners.
• She acted as a grubstaker for her friend's startup restaurant, providing initial capital.
• The grubstaker demanded a percentage of any profits from the mining operation.
• Without a grubstaker willing to take a risk, the young entrepreneur could not have launched his business.
• The agreement between the grubstaker and the miner was sealed with a handshake.
• Modern venture capitalists serve a similar role to historical grubstakers in the tech industry.