Lever VC
Status
ACTIVE
Global HQ
New York, United States
Countries of investment
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Sweden
- Israel
- Brazil
- Mexico
- China
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
Investment stages
- Seed
- Series A
- Series B
Industries
- FoodTech
- AgTech
- Alternative Proteins
- Crop Genetics
- Animal Health
- Fermentation
- Cell Cultivation
- Functional Ingredients
About
Lever VC is a New York-based venture capital firm specializing in FoodTech and AgTech with a focus on the future of protein. Their portfolio spans alternative proteins, crop genetics, animal health, and fermentation companies across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the GCC. The firm manages Fund I ($80M) and is actively deploying Fund II.
Lever VC is a New York-based venture capital firm specializing in FoodTech and AgTech with a focus on the future of protein. Their portfolio spans alternative proteins, crop genetics, animal health, and fermentation companies across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the GCC. The firm manages Fund I ($80M) and is actively deploying Fund II.
Investment Thesis
Lever VC is a FoodTech and AgTech specialist venture capital firm investing globally in entrepreneurs creating the future of protein. They back early-stage companies across alternative proteins, crop genetics, animal protein sustainability, feed inputs, and fermentation technologies. The firm differentiates itself through its $80M Fund I top-decile performance, global portfolio spanning North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the GCC, and in-house scientific and technical team providing deep diligence and portfolio support.
Manager's Experience
Founder and Managing Partner Nick Cooney launched Lever VC in 2017 after co-founding New Crop Capital, one of the earliest alternative protein VCs, giving him foundational credentials in the category. Managing Partner Lawrence Chu brings complementary Asia-Pacific alternative protein expertise and institutional relationships, while Partner Yaqi Wang (co-founder of Blackbird Foods) adds operator perspective. With $80M+ across Fund I and Fund II backed by family offices and strategic corporates, the 21-person team including 5 partners has executed 38 investments globally with deep concentration in alternative meat, dairy, and seafood. The team has deployed over $500M combined across their careers with a reported strong multiple on invested capital.
Team
Nick Cooney – Founder / Managing Partner
Lawrence Chu – Managing Partner
Yaqi Wang – Partner
Portfolio
NuCicer
HerdDogg
Birdman
Boston Bioprocess
TurtleTree
Avant Meats
Marvelous Foods
Mediterranean Food Lab
Melt&Marble
Mission Barns
Mooji Meats
Mozza
The New
No Cow
NoMoo
Redefine Meat
Blackbird Foods
A Dozen Cousins
XOXO Beverages