George Anson
George Anson was born in Canada in 1960 to a Canadian mother and British father. He spent most of his formative years in Iowa in the American Midwest. He went to the University of Iowa where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance in 1982.
In 1984, he moved to the United Kingdom and started his career in The City, working initially for GT Management, before moving to Hancock Venture Partners (later HarbourVest Partners) in 1990, where he was a founder and partner for 27 years, overseeing their European and Asian activities. George retired from HarbourVest Partners in June 2017.
George is involved with several charitable and not-for-profit organisations and is a keen golfer and sportsman.
George Says:
“Having spent my business career backing entrepreneurs ad their ideas, I was naturally attracted to the Angels’ Den. I would like to apply that knowledge and experience in business to the VCSE sector, particularly in Buckinghamshire.”
Matt Storey
Matt Storey is an entrepreneur with multiple businesses spanning various sectors.
His journey began on market stalls, and from there, Matt embarked on establishing M&M Supplies UK PLC, a food wholesale business specialising in the clearance of food and household products from renowned manufacturers, with a focus on the discount sector. This venture is strongly committed to working alongside food banks across the UK and MK Snap for adult learners.
Matt’s primary focus now revolves around SPDL, a strategic land promotion business boasting approximately 4,500 plots earmarked for future development in various locations across the UK. In addition to this, he owns Storey Homes, a reputable housebuilding company based in the South-East.
Matt says:
“I always find it truly amazing how hard people running charities work and the fantastic job that they do.
I support various charities and I am always humbled by so many good causes and great needs I come across, so I am really happy to be part of the Angels’ Den Event.”
Sarah Leslie
Sarah is a founding Director of ndapt ltd, a purpose-driven business delivering board advisory and professional trustee services. Acting as a force for positive change and driving progress for the clients and charities she works with, Sarah focuses on robust governance and future-fit decision-making and has been instrumental in driving the charitable giveback program launched by ndapt in 2023.
Sarah is strategic, commercial and risk-focused, with a drive to deliver efficiency and effectiveness, as well as transparency, diversity, and sustainability. Sarah’s flexible approach focuses on delivering the right outcome. Prior to setting up ndapt, she led the Russell Investment’s fiduciary management team in the UK through a period of sustained growth.
Sarah works with a range of clients including charities, family-run businesses and household names.
Sarah says:
“Angels’ Den makes a difference to so many charities. It broadens understanding of the challenges being faced and provides insight into how positive change can be delivered. I hope my skills and knowledge can be applied, along with the other Angels, to drive the change needed and make meaningful impact.”
Chris Goodman
An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Chris co-founded Focus Group in 2003, a Comms & IT business that now employs over 1,200 staff across the UK, with annual revenues exceeding £250m a year.
More recently, he co-founded Focus Foundation, a grant-giving charitable foundation that to date has delivered funding of almost £1m in support of grass-roots charities, particularly those working with underprivileged children and young people and supporting those suffering with poor mental health.
His two decades of leadership experience in the IT and telecoms sector have covered everything from the development of effective sales teams, cohesive people and culture strategies and robust financial analysis, together with having led and completed numerous M&A and private equity transactions – Chris now uses this experience to support some amazing charities and budding entrepreneurs alike.
Chris says:
“I wanted to be part of Angels’ Den because of my strong commitment to community initiatives and passion for making a positive impact. As a co-founder of Focus Group and Focus Foundation, I have championed various initiatives related to employee wellbeing, environmental impact, and community fundraising.
Being part of Angels’ Den aligns with my dedication to supporting visionary entrepreneurs and inspiring charities to create lasting change in the community.”
Vince O’Hanlon
Vince has worked in the IT Technology industry for over 36 years.
Having started his career as an engineer, later progressing into the design and installation of complex infrastructure projects, he then progressed into management for Lombard, part of the RBS Group.
While working within the RBS Group, Vince identified the opportunity to build an IT reseller, this ensured clients paid the correct price for IT equipment while protecting the residual value investment. 14 years ago, Vince founded VitrX, replicating his previous success.
VitrX’s nimble, can-do attitude with the ability to deliver large-scale global projects soon attracted major clients from his vast black book of contacts. Many client relationships span over 25 years, highlighting his commitment to delivering high-level service while delivering value.
In 2015 Vince was invited to join the Board of Directors for The Asset Finance Professional Association, alongside industry leaders such as RBS, Santander, BNP Paribas. This board provides access to a valuable network of companies and key contacts.
In the last few years, Vince has diversified his investments across multiple businesses including car leasing, peer-to-peer investment, data wiping, IT support, recruitment, supercar tours, and a film, “The Broken Arrow” – featuring Jools Holland, Sue Johnston, Alan Ford, and Bobby George.
Vince’s recent venture is a fund acquiring companies across sectors, including private patient care, construction, renewable energy, and plastic recycling.
Vince says:
“It gives me great satisfaction knowing that my contributions are put to good use, directly helping those in need and making a lasting impact in communities.
I hope to apply my skills and experience alongside the other Angels to help drive the change needed and make a real difference.”