1Capital or funds used to start a business or investment; seed money or start-up capital.
小さな店を開くにはある程度の元手が必要だ。
You need a certain amount of capital to open a small shop.
彼は元手をためて独立した。
He saved up the funds and became independent.
投資の元手がないので、まず貯金から始める。
Since I don't have investment capital, I'll start by saving first.
2An asset or resources available for use; money or property that can be used as a base.
音楽活動の元手にレコードを作った。
He used his assets to produce a record for his music activities.
経験を元手にフリーランスとして働き始めた。
He began working freelance using his experience as capital.