Exhibit 23.1

ERNST & YOUNG LLP



              Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Indepenedent Auditors
              ---------------------------------------------------


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration  statement Nos.
333-21825  and  333-21827 on Form S-8 of Point West Capital  Corporation  of our
report  dated  February 29, 2000,  with  respect to the  consolidated  financial
statements of Point West Capital Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year  ended  December  31,  1999,  filed with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission.



                                                /s/Ernst & Young LLP

San Francisco, California
February 29, 2000