About Angels’ Den
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The concept
Angels’ Den was conceived by Mike Clare, founder of The Clare Foundation, as an innovative model for driving high-impact philanthropy.
The concept brings together successful entrepreneurs, known as “Angels”, who commit significant funding and actively champion the charities they support, opening doors, sharing experience and helping unlock long-term growth.
At Angels’ Den Sussex, Five Angels each pledge £10,000, with Focus Foundation matching their contributions to create a £100,000 fund.
What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead.
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Mike Clare
Founder of Angels’ Den
10 incredible charities took to the stage at Focus Foundation’s inaugural Angels’ Den Sussex, each given an opportunity to present their project or plan to our panel of Angels, who had the crucial task of directing significant funding to the charities that impressed them the most, and where it would create the greatest impact.
Selected from more than 120 applicants - a powerful reflection of both the scale of need and the strength of innovation across the county - our finalists were chosen to pitch to our Angels, based on their impact, vision, sustainability, and innovative approaches to addressing social challenges.
These charities demonstrated clear objectives, measurable outcomes, strong leadership, and community engagement, as well as the ability to showcase how the funding will directly benefit service users and create long-term positive change.
To ensure they stepped onto the stage with confidence and clarity, each finalist received expert storytelling and public speaking coaching from Marcus Thomlinson, a Motivational Speaker, Leadership Coach, and Business Mentor.
Over 200 guests, including civic leaders, business owners, patrons and community champions, gathered for an evening of connection, high-energy pitches and live funding decisions. On the night, five Angels each pledged £10,000, with Focus Foundation matching their commitments pound for pound to create a £100,000 community fund. The funding was allocated live in the room, transforming generosity into immediate, tangible impact for communities across Sussex.
Testimonials
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“What this funding means goes far beyond the night itself. We are absolutely delighted. Our young coaches are incredible, and this funding means we can invest in their development and bring the sport into more communities across Brighton. This will genuinely help change lives.
Brighton Table Tennis Club received the headline award of £25,000 at Angels’ Den Sussex 2025.
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“This was an evening of energy, generosity and unity. Angels’ Den showed what is possible when businesses, communities, and donors stand together. The organisations funded tonight work at the very heart of Sussex and their impact begins immediately. We are enormously grateful to Mike Clare for inspiring this model."
Chris Goodman, Co-Founder of Focus Group and Focus Foundation, and Angel at Angels’ Den Sussex 2025.
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"This is really important (Angels Den Sussex) nights like this really make a difference and are very impactful."
- Sarah Willingham, British entrepreneur, investor, founder, CEO of Nightcap, and Angel at Angels’ Den 2025.
Angels’ Den is more than a date in the calendar. It’s where bold ideas are championed and generosity turns into tangible impact. Whether you’re an entrepreneur ready to back vision with action, a charity driving meaningful work, or a sponsor committed to real change, this is your opportunity to help shape something extraordinary.
Together, we can make a profound and lasting difference in our community.