Lever VC is a U.S.-Hong Kong venture capital fund founded by Managing Partner Nick Cooney and investing in early stage companies in the alternative protein sector (plant-based and “clean”/cell-based meat, egg and dairy companies). Lever VC operates globally, with offices in Hong Kong and the U.S. and staff in the US, Hong Kong, Europe, and Israel. Entrepreneurs and startups interested in connecting with Lever VC about possible investment can reach the team and submit information about their company at http://www.levervc.com. Managing Partner Nick Cooney is the Co-Founder and former Managing Trustee of New Crop Capital, a private venture capital trust vehicle investing in the alternative protein space, and is Co-Founder of the Good Food Institute, the world’s largest non-governmental organization working to grow the alternative protein space. The General Partners at Lever VC have deployed over $1.5 billion in capital over the past decade across a variety of sectors, including over thirty deals in the alternative protein space.
THIS is a plant-based meat brand that specializes in creating alternative meat products designed to appeal to meat lovers. The company focuses on developing items made from plant-based ingredients that are fortified with essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iron. By doing so, THIS aims to provide consumers with the sensory experience of traditional meat while ensuring that no animals are harmed in the process. The brand's offerings cater to those seeking satisfying meat alternatives, promoting a sustainable and ethical dietary choice.
GROUNDED
Seed Round in 2022
Grounded is a food and beverage company that makes natural drinks that are for you. Their drinks make common utilitarian products more natural by employing solely natural raw ingredients. They are provided low sugar, natural drinks.
NuCicer
Seed Round in 2022
NuCicer is focused on transforming chickpeas from a niche ingredient into a staple superfood by developing new varieties with enhanced agronomic and quality traits. The company specializes in producing chickpeas that feature increased protein content, improved flavor, and tailored nutritional properties. Utilizing a diverse chickpea breeding library alongside a proprietary breeding innovation platform that integrates plant genetics and machine learning, NuCicer aims to address the growing demands for nutritious and sustainable food sources. Their efforts not only enhance the nutritional value of chickpeas but also aim to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, supporting the needs of the alternative-meat sector and promoting a more sustainable food system.
CellX
Series A in 2022
CellX is focused on developing innovative food products through the fermentation of morel mycelium to create mushroom protein. Their offerings include ingredient solutions for savory snacks, protein powders, and meat alternatives. In addition to its proprietary products, CellX licenses existing intellectual property to expedite the commercialization of cultivated meat. The company also employs advanced technologies such as suspension cell lines and serum-free media, achieving high cell density and cost-effective media production on a large scale. Committed to sustainable development, CellX aims to provide environmentally friendly and healthy animal protein alternatives through its cell-cultivated meat products.
Nude
Series A in 2022
Nude is a food technology company that specializes in creating plant-based food products using organically-grown oats sourced from small producers. Committed to sustainability, Nude aligns its operations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and focuses on delivering flavorful and healthy alternatives to traditional foods. The company emphasizes transparency by calculating the carbon footprint of its products, allowing consumers to make informed choices about their dietary options. Led by women, Nude aims to simplify the consumption of vegetable-based alternatives while championing environmental responsibility.
Marvelous Foods
Angel Round in 2022
Marvelous Foods is a plant-based snack food start-up that specializes in producing and retailing dairy-free coconut yogurt, known as yeyo yogurt. The company aims to nourish consumers and the planet by providing healthy, delicious, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional dairy products. By focusing on gut-healing and allergy-friendly options, Marvelous Foods caters to individuals seeking natural and diet-inclusive food solutions. The brand originated by sharing yogurt with friends, neighbors, and local eateries that appreciated wholesome, sustainable food choices.
THIS
Series A in 2021
THIS is a plant-based meat brand that specializes in creating alternative meat products designed to appeal to meat lovers. The company focuses on developing items made from plant-based ingredients that are fortified with essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iron. By doing so, THIS aims to provide consumers with the sensory experience of traditional meat while ensuring that no animals are harmed in the process. The brand's offerings cater to those seeking satisfying meat alternatives, promoting a sustainable and ethical dietary choice.
Marvelous Foods
Seed Round in 2021
Marvelous Foods is a plant-based snack food start-up that specializes in producing and retailing dairy-free coconut yogurt, known as yeyo yogurt. The company aims to nourish consumers and the planet by providing healthy, delicious, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional dairy products. By focusing on gut-healing and allergy-friendly options, Marvelous Foods caters to individuals seeking natural and diet-inclusive food solutions. The brand originated by sharing yogurt with friends, neighbors, and local eateries that appreciated wholesome, sustainable food choices.
CellX
Seed Round in 2021
CellX is focused on developing innovative food products through the fermentation of morel mycelium to create mushroom protein. Their offerings include ingredient solutions for savory snacks, protein powders, and meat alternatives. In addition to its proprietary products, CellX licenses existing intellectual property to expedite the commercialization of cultivated meat. The company also employs advanced technologies such as suspension cell lines and serum-free media, achieving high cell density and cost-effective media production on a large scale. Committed to sustainable development, CellX aims to provide environmentally friendly and healthy animal protein alternatives through its cell-cultivated meat products.
The New
Seed Round in 2021
The New is a Brazilian food technology company that specializes in the production of plant-based meats as alternatives to traditional animal-based foods. The company utilizes ingredients such as pea protein, coconut fat, and beetroot to create various meat alternatives, including beef burgers, chicken tenders, and salmon fillets. Its products are designed to be gluten-free and contain no added sugar, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking sustainable dietary options.
CellX
Pre Seed Round in 2020
CellX is focused on developing innovative food products through the fermentation of morel mycelium to create mushroom protein. Their offerings include ingredient solutions for savory snacks, protein powders, and meat alternatives. In addition to its proprietary products, CellX licenses existing intellectual property to expedite the commercialization of cultivated meat. The company also employs advanced technologies such as suspension cell lines and serum-free media, achieving high cell density and cost-effective media production on a large scale. Committed to sustainable development, CellX aims to provide environmentally friendly and healthy animal protein alternatives through its cell-cultivated meat products.
GROUNDED
Seed Round in 2020
Grounded is a food and beverage company that makes natural drinks that are for you. Their drinks make common utilitarian products more natural by employing solely natural raw ingredients. They are provided low sugar, natural drinks.
Marvelous Foods
Seed Round in 2019
Marvelous Foods is a plant-based snack food start-up that specializes in producing and retailing dairy-free coconut yogurt, known as yeyo yogurt. The company aims to nourish consumers and the planet by providing healthy, delicious, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional dairy products. By focusing on gut-healing and allergy-friendly options, Marvelous Foods caters to individuals seeking natural and diet-inclusive food solutions. The brand originated by sharing yogurt with friends, neighbors, and local eateries that appreciated wholesome, sustainable food choices.
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