Send Me an Angel With new angel funds and networks popping up nationwide, that shouldn't be too hard to do.

When it comes to business financing, the past two years have hada Wild West feel to them. There were companies funded by venturecapitalists and taken public in a matter of months, firms whosevaluations soared heavenward at light speed, and entrepreneurs intheir twenties cashing in on ventures they founded in their dormrooms.

Then reality hit. Venture capitalists slammed on the brakes, andbanks snapped their purse strings shut. Now hundreds of youngcompanies and would-be entrepreneurs are left with start-up andexpansion hunger pangs and no clear idea how to satisfy them.

While firms that are more established can turn to the $5trillion in nonventure private equity available frombrokers/dealers, private bankers and qualified institutionalbuyers, start-ups-especially those not located in thetraditional investment hotbeds-will likely need to fall backon an old standby: the $30 billion angel investor arena.