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The Chartered Companies
They were shareholding companies that wanted to make money.
They often used the excuse of eliminating slavery to appear to be on a civilising mission
In reality, they were often privately funded by individuals who were impatient with the foot dragging of their own countries and wished to colonise areas before their rivals did.
They allowed private individuals to go into the business of colonisation.
Just like the EIC, they could usually stay in business as long as no major problems occurred!
But when a war, revolt or rebellion occurred, the home country often had to come to the rescue of its citizens.