grubstakenoun [ C ]
/ˈɡrʌb.steɪk/US informalan amount of money or other help that someone gives to a new business in return for part of its profits:
You didn't need an education to strike it rich in the oil fields - just a grubstake and plenty of luck.
grubstakeverb [ T ]
/ˈɡrʌb.steɪk/USto give money to someone to start a new business in return for part of its profits:
If he grubstaked her she would be willing to go fifty-fifty on the book.