What Credit Crunch? Internet Angels Fill Gap

Evan Sheftel needed money.

His startup, eAssay.com, a New York-based firm that buys necklaces, rings and other jewelry and sells the scrap metal for a modest profit, was handling between $100,000 and $150,000 in volume a week earlier this year.

With a little extra cash, he figured, the business could be doing a lot more. But when it came time to raise capital, Sheftel didn't tap into the friends-and-family network or visit his local banker, who has had to crack down on due diligence after Wall Street caused a credit crunch on Main Street. Instead, Sheftel, 38, went online to find his match. ...