Ever since the world economy started to crumble, banking institutions have either enforced stricter lending policies or have stopped loaning money to small businesses altogether. In turn, entrepreneurs have had to look for alternative ways to fund their startup ventures. Thus, the boom of the angel investing platform.

Angel investors, or private investors, are becoming a very popular option among business entrepreneurs looking to raise capital. Not only are sites like Angel Investment Network making it easier for business angels and entrepreneurs to connect, but they’re also making it easier for businesses to get their money much more quickly than banks ever did.

Many entrepreneurs who have listed their ideas on Angel Investment Network say that they had a number of business angels show interest in their proposals within days - one had 13 offers in 20 days, another had four parties contact him within his first day of registration. Andrew Field of StreetSkins said out of the 30 angels that contacted him, 12 led to meetings and 4 of those made offers.

US Entrepreneurs also report that the turnaround for receiving funding and raising capital is prompt. Regional Media Networks had advertised on Angel Investment Network in late August and by the first week of October, it had raised its required £1.5 million with a single investor.

Many said that were so impressed with their transactions and business relationships that they would return to Angel Investment Network again if they ever needed more funding. “Your site has been an amazing site twice in a row for me on two different ventures,” said Nick De Rooy of Glass Bank. “This particular time must be a record. We posted the proposal on Sunday, met the first investor Monday, and had a second meeting and a deal signed on Thursday for £200,000 initial investment.”