An investor is an economic entity that deploys capital to generate profits. This definition is equally applicable to the term "anleger," and as such, these terms are used interchangeably.
The use of capital to achieve profits can take various forms, including foreign exchange trading, stock speculation, index funds, commodity trading, and lending through fixed-income bonds. It also encompasses investments in tangible assets such as ships, aircraft, and infrastructure projects.
However, in this article, we will focus more on business-related, entrepreneurial investments, particularly in the so-called "white" and "gray" capital markets, specifically in the context of Private Equity, notably Venture Capital, and in the case of business startups.