Which term refers to a person who starts a business and provides finance and leadership?

The term that best describes a person who starts a business and provides both finance and leadership is "entrepreneur." Entrepreneurs are individuals who identify a market opportunity and take the initiative to establish a new business, often by innovating and taking on financial risks in the hope of profit. They not only invest their own resources into the business but also assume the responsibility of leadership, guiding the strategic direction and operations of the company.

This role is inherently different from that of an investor, who primarily focuses on providing financial resources without necessarily being involved in the day-to-day management of the business. A director usually pertains to a specific governance role within an established organization, while a manager is responsible for executing day-to-day operational tasks and overseeing employees but does not typically possess the entrepreneurial drive associated with starting a business. Thus, calling someone an entrepreneur encompasses both the act of building a business from the ground up and leading it towards growth and success.