The money will disappear into a black hole. Even Carnegie would sell short on that deal. What is the true power form of investment vehicle? The best forms of debentures? Pennies saved Old Ironsides, but only up to a point, now it's another Gov't Institution. Like the Post Office.
Quite the possibility. However, if a few lucky working stiffs win tickets to space, and sell them to rich individuals, those individuals will have a compelling interest in monitoring their investment. My devious plan has many aspects.
I understand your post about the ascendancy of corporations, but I'm not clear about why this would be an impediment to progress in this venture. Corporations are the active agents of investors (of which I am one), and would be powerful allies in furthering the development of space assets.