grubstake

grubstake
    n 1: funds advanced to a prospector or to someone starting a
         business in return for a share of the profits
    v 1: supply with funds in return for a promised share of profits
    

26 Moby Thesaurus words for "grubstake":
      angel, back, backing, bankroll, capitalization, capitalize,
      deficit financing, finance, financial backing, financial support,
      financing, fund, funding, patronization, patronize, pay for,
      provide for, provision of capital, refinance, set up, sponsor,
      sponsorship, stake, subsidize, subsidy, support