About Angels’ Den

Angels’ Den connects ambitious charities with experienced entrepreneurs who want to use their success, networks and insight to create lasting social impact.

 

The concept

Angels’ Den began with an idea: that philanthropy could be more personal, more practical and more powerful when entrepreneurs bring not only their funding, but their experience, networks and belief

Angels’ Den was conceived by Mike Clare, founder of The Clare Foundation, as a bold new model for driving high-impact philanthropy.

Mike’s vision was simple but powerful: bring together successful entrepreneurs — our “Angels” — who would do more than donate. Each Angel commits significant funding, but also brings their experience, networks, insight and energy to the charities they support. By opening doors, sharing hard-won knowledge and championing ambitious causes, Angels help unlock long-term growth and lasting impact.  What began as a passion project has grown into something much bigger.

Angels’ Den has always been rooted in entrepreneurial spirit, practical support and a belief that great charities can go further when they have the right people behind them. We are proud of where the programme began, and deeply grateful for the vision and commitment that shaped it from the start.

Today, with the support of Focus Foundation, Angels’ Den is entering an exciting new chapter.

Focus Foundation is helping the programme spread its wings — building on Mike Clare’s original vision while creating new opportunities for more Angels, more charities and more transformational partnerships. Together, we are strengthening the model, expanding its reach and helping even more brilliant organisations access the backing they need to grow, thrive and create meaningful change.

The heart of Angels’ Den remains the same: connecting people who want to make a difference with charities ready to do extraordinary things.

And this is just the beginning.

Mike Clare
Founder of Angels’ Den

How it works

Angels’ Den gives local charities the chance to secure funding, raise their profile and connect with experienced entrepreneurs who want to support meaningful change.

At each event, charities apply to Focus Foundation for funding. Our team reviews every application and carries out desktop and in-person due diligence to understand each organisation, its work and the potential impact of the funding requested.

From this process, 10 finalists are selected.

Each finalist receives professional presentation coaching to help them define their ask, sharpen their message and prepare a clear, confident pitch.

At the live event, each charity has two minutes to present their organisation and project to the Angels and a live audience. The evening is designed to be energetic, inspiring and supportive, giving every finalist a platform to share their work with people who can help them go further.

At the end of the night, funding is allocated across the finalists, with every charity receiving support. The Angels consider the strength of the pitch, the clarity of the ask and the potential impact of the project.

For the charities involved, Angels’ Den is more than a funding opportunity. It is a chance to build confidence, make new connections and gain the backing of people who can champion their work long after the event has ended.

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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.

Be a part of something incredible.

Testimonials

  • “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.

  • “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

  • "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.