backer vs sponsor

backer and sponsor both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
backer	Yes	No	No	No
sponsor	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, sponsor is a hypernym of backer; that is, sponsor is a word with a broader meaning than backer:

Other hypernyms of backer include patron, supporter.

backer (noun)	sponsor (noun)
someone who provides financial support for some venture	someone who supports or champions something
	an advocate who presents a person (as for an award or a degree or an introduction etc.)

backer (verb)	sponsor (verb)
	assume sponsorship of
	assume responsibility for or leadership of
	do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of