Final answer:
The individuals mentioned are 'angel investors,' wealthy individuals who invest in startups for the pleasure of supporting entrepreneurship (d. enthusiast). They provide crucial early-stage funding and often contribute expertise and networks, differentiating themselves from venture capitalists who usually come in at later stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individuals described in the question are known as “angel investors.” These are usually affluent individuals who provide capital for a business start-up, typically in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity. The correct answer to the question posed is d. enthusiast. These angel investors are often driven by a passion for entrepreneurship and the pleasure of being involved in the nurturing of new businesses.
Angel investors play a critical role in the economy by filling the gap in start-up financing between the self-funded stage of the business and the point at which the business can attract venture capital. They bring not only their money but also their expertise and network, which can be crucial for a small company in its early stages. Unlike venture capitalists, angel investors invest their own funds and generally take a more hands-on approach. It is worth noting that while venture capital firms often focus on later-stage businesses, angel investors typically engage at the early development stage of a startup.
Business owners seeking to grow their enterprises without taking on debt, which requires regular interest payments, may find angel investors particularly appealing. By issuing equity to the investors, business owners can secure the necessary funds without the immediate obligation to return capital, allowing more flexibility and cash flow for the business to thrive.