Capital Stream attracts a big ally, $20 million.

Flush with a $20 million venture capital infusion and a deal with Bank of America, CapitalStream Inc. sees 2001 as a make-or-break year.

The Seattle company makes Web-based software designed to automate the commercial financing process for middle-market businesses.

For example, if Bank of America needs to decide whether to loan money to a truck manufacturer so it can buy new manufacturing equipment, CapitalStream's software can make the decision-making process faster and more cost-effective, executives say. The software makes credit information and history readily available on the Internet, handles the bookkeeping online, and allows financial partners to …