But if all you want is money, why not go to a bank and ask for a credit line? The one charm and appeal of programs like YC is that it is 'smart' money: advice, network, etc.
We can offer lower interest rates than banks and when you pay back that interest, it's going to lenders who are just regular people. Ideall is not just about getting you the money you need to get your idea off the ground, but also gives your startup an online home when it comes to promoting your idea.
Like Kiva for small businesses in the US... as in, kind of like Prosper, Lending Club, Zopa, etc?
Prosper,Lending Club and Zopa are not focused on small businesses and startups. That is the market that we want to capture. There is no clear leader in the p2p lending industry, especially when it comes to small business loans.