sleeping partner
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A sleeping partner is a person who invests money in a business but does not take an active role in its management or day-to-day operations. Their involvement is typically not publicly known.
Usage
This term is used primarily in British English to describe a silent investor in a partnership or business venture. The partner provides capital (money) but does not participate in running the business.
Examples
- The company was founded by two active managers and a sleeping partner who provided the initial funding.
- As a sleeping partner, her financial stake was significant, but she had no say in the operational decisions.
Advanced Usage
- The concept relies on the distinction between providing capital and providing labor or management. The sleeping partner's return is usually a share of the profits.
- Legally, a sleeping partner may still have liability depending on the structure of the partnership agreement, even if they are not publicly known as a partner.
Variants and Related Words
- Silent Partner (Noun): This is the more common term in American English and is a direct synonym for "sleeping partner."
- Dormant Partner (Noun): Another less common synonym with the same meaning.
Synonyms
- Silent partner
- Dormant partner
- Limited partner (in some contexts, though this has a specific legal definition)
Antonyms
- Active partner
- Managing partner
- General partner
Noun
- a partner (who usually provides capital) whose association with the enterprise is not public knowledge