rainmakers

Definition

Influential individuals, especially in business or politics, who have the power to generate significant financial resources, opportunities, or political influence.

Etymology

Derived from the literal sense of someone who performs rituals to produce rain, the term was adopted into business jargon in the 20th century to describe people who bring in substantial new clients or funding.

In the news

The article describes how corporate founders use their vast wealth to become political rainmakers, leveraging their economic control to dominate and fund political projects.

The Legal Paths to Hoarding Political and Economic Power

Jacobin

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