noun
financial backer; financial supporter
Refers to a person or entity that provides funds for a project, venture, or individual. Often used in business, political, or artistic contexts.
彼はその映画の金主だ。
He is the financial backer of that movie.
新しい事業の金主を探している。
We are looking for a financial supporter for the new venture.
Compound of 金 (money) and 主 (master/owner), literally 'money master'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word has been used since at least the Edo period to refer to a financial backer.