In the US, where the government is the only major backer, research has limped along at about half a million dollars a year.
He was also one of the bundlers (major financial backers) of the Obama campaign, having contributed over half a million dollars.
He was also a major early backer and stockholder in a number of other Japanese technology companies.
But a major backer did not renew a $100,000 pledge, because of his personal losses.
Canal Plus, the cable television firm, is also a major backer.
The potential for foreign distribution is crucial to the industry's success, say producers, even when major backers are involved.
Of the eight in Class II, three have major backers.
Production of the film was twice delayed when major backers pulled out prior to the filming date.
In the first year of preparation, despite writing over nine hundred letters, I had acquired no major backers.
They continue into the 21st century as major backers of the Democrats, but with so few members they have lost much of their influence.