The Team

Anthony Clarke - Managing Director

Anthony qualified as a chartered accountant with Deloitte Haskins & Sells (now PWC) in the late 1970's and soon after as a chartered secretary. Thereafter, he worked on a full time basis as a finance director and chief executive of a number of privately owned SME companies and since 1995 he has been a business angel investor/non executive director of six start up/early stage businesses.

Anthony is managing director of GLE Growth Capital which includes London Business Angels and its sister company London Seed Capital. He is also managing director of the UK’s first Enterprise Capital Fund, Seraphim Capital. He is chairman of the British Business Angels Association and president of European Business Angels Network. Anthony also holds a position on the board of CASI (Council for Advancement of Science and Industry for London).

Rob Desborough – Investment Director

Before becoming Investment Director at London Seed Capital Rob was the Investment Manager for its sister organisation London Business Angels where he acted as the ‘gatekeeper’ to the network. Prior to this he was the market analyst for the University of Ulster's technology transfer and new ventures vehicle UUTech, where he analysed and managed 'Proof of Concept' and seed stage investments in IP-led businesses. Having founded his own digital media technology company in 2000, Rob went on to work for a strategic marketing company specialising in pre-IPO, venture capital backed, Silicon Valley technology companies. During his time in Silicon Valley he was awarded employee of the year from the late Fred Hoar. Rob holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology Systems and Business and a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science from the University of Glasgow.  


Chris Padfield - Investment Manager

Chris Padfield gained a BA (hons) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) from the University Oxford. Prior to becoming the Investment Manager for London Seed Capital and the ‘gatekeeper’ to the London Business Angels network Chris founded and grew his own software company. The company produces an innovative CRM product with customers ranging from start ups to multinationals including Lycos, T-mobile and Deutsche Bank. Operating across a range of industries including biomedical, financial, educational and online services has provided Chris a range of relevant experience for evaluating early stage investments.

Liz Carrington – Network Manager

Liz has gained a BA (hons) in International Business from the University of Lincoln, she also has a BA in International Business from the Auckland University of Technology. In her previous roles Liz managed a number of projects and gained sound office knowledge and significant experience organising large national events. Liz previously worked for the British Business Angels Association through organisation of high level conference events and supporting direct interface with key players in the industry as well as developments of new information marketing products, Liz has gained a deep understanding of the Business Angel Industry.

Sarah Rowe - Events Co-ordinator and Administrator

Sarah has worked for GLE Growth Capital for two years and acts as the main point of contact for all enquiries to the team and organises the London Business Angels events. She is the main port of call for business plans and manages the diary of Anthony Clarke and the rest of the team. She is also assisting with the Creative Business Accelerator project. Contact: sarah@lbangels.co.uk