Lever VC

Lever VC is a specialized venture capital firm exclusively focused on the alternative protein sector, encompassing plant-based, cultivated meat, and fermentation-derived proteins. Based in Brooklyn, New York, the firm positions itself as a global leader in funding the future of food, addressing environmental sustainability and animal welfare concerns through technological innovation. Their investment thesis centers on identifying and nurturing early-stage companies with disruptive technologies and strong market potential within this rapidly expanding industry.

Lever VC primarily targets Seed and Series A rounds, providing crucial capital to companies transitioning from research and development to commercialization or scaling operations. The firm successfully closed its inaugural fund, Lever VC Fund I, at $80 million in 2021, significantly exceeding its initial $50 million target. This strong performance underscored investor confidence in the alternative protein market and Lever VC's specialized approach. Building on this success, they launched Lever VC Fund II in 2023, aiming for a $100 million close to further expand their investment capacity.

With a global mandate, Lever VC has built a diverse portfolio of over 50 companies across North America, Europe, and Asia. Their typical initial check sizes range from $500,000 to $3 million, demonstrating their commitment to early-stage development while also reserving capital for follow-on investments in high-performing portfolio companies. The firm is not merely a capital provider but also leverages its deep industry expertise and network to support its portfolio companies with strategic guidance, market access, and operational insights, aiming to accelerate their growth and impact in the sustainable food ecosystem.