Diego has invested $$50,000$ in Luca$$s restaurant business, Luca$$s Seafood LLC$,$ in Miami, Florida. Although the restaurant has struggled in the last few years, it is not because of a lack of customers; usually, there is a $$wait list$$ to eat there. The restaurant needs to expand its seating capacity to increase its profits. Diego is convinced that with the extra $$50,000$ investment, Luca$$s Seafood will be positioned for long$-$term success, and he will $$reap the reward$$ of seeing his investment grow. In this scenario, Diego is which of the following?

A crowdfunder

A debt financer

A franchisor

A venture capitalist