Lever VC
Actively deployingSeed–Series A · 13 people tracked
Investment thesis
Lever VC invests in the transformation of food and agriculture driven by consumer demand for health and sustainability, population growth, and technological innovation. The firm targets entrepreneurs addressing inefficiencies in traditional food production through crop genetics, digital animal health, plant-based proteins, and fermentation-based manufacturing solutions.
Source: firm website, verified Jul 20, 2026.
Team · 13 people
from the firm's websiteFounder of Lever VC with 17 years of experience in the alternative protein sector. Co-founder and former board chair of the Good Food Institute. Has invested in over 70 alternative protein deals globally and serves on multiple portfolio company boards. Previously led teams promoting alternative protein products and worked with major food companies on protein expansion initiatives.
Food and drink industry veteran with deep expertise in animal protein and dairy sectors. Former Director of Strategy and Due Diligence at Gira consulting firm, managing global operations and strategy projects across 45 countries. Seven years in alternative protein space advising major meat and dairy companies on expansion, R&D, and go-to-market strategies. Mentors accelerator portfolio companies and lectures on growth strategies and market sizing.
PhD from Technion - Israel Institute of Technology with expertise in alternative-protein science and technology, particularly cultivated and fermentation technologies. Joined Lever VC in 2019 to lead SciTech due diligence. Previously technical co-founder and scientist at biomedical company Nanosynex. Completed visiting scientist position at Harvard's Wyss Institute.
Investment team member focused on deal sourcing, due diligence, and investment execution. Previously worked in the Sustainability Unit at the Central Bank of Malaysia, contributing to climate policy and sustainable finance initiatives. Holds a Bachelor's in Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics.
Operations and Administration Manager with background in venture capital and startup operations. Oversees fund administration, LP relations, financial reporting, and compliance workflows across Fund I and Fund II.
What they invest in
from 10 of 53 portfolio companiesFoodTech ×9Consumer ×3AI & Machine Learning ×2Biotech ×2Circular Economy ×2Cleantech ×2Climate Tech ×2AgTech ×1
HQs:United States×8United Kingdom×1
Investments · 53 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathProduces ready-to-eat bean-based meals inspired by traditional southern and Latin American recipes.
BLUU develops marine cell-based ingredients derived from cultured fish cells for personal care, health, and food applications. The company uses proprietary bioprocessing workflows grounded in peer-reviewed research to produce ethically sourced, traceable compounds that replicate results unattainable through land-based agriculture.
BiotechDeep TechFoodTech
Dr. Sebastian Rakers(Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer)
THIS manufactures consumer products positioned as environmentally and socially responsible, with B Corp certification validating both product and business practices.
Circular EconomyConsumerFoodTech
Produces wheat protein-based meat alternatives and plant-based frozen foods.
Europe's leading cultivated seafood company producing GMO-free fish meat and marine protein products.
Produces fish meat and hybrid products from cell cultivation.
Produces real meat proteins from precision fermentation as ingredients for the pet food sector.
Bond Pets develops brewed meat proteins using precision fermentation for pet food products that are marketed as better for pets, farm animals, and the planet.
BiotechFoodTechBoulder, US
Rich Kelleman(CEO & Founder)
CDMO service provider specializing in fermentation for novel food, beauty, and industrial ingredients.
Gavan develops advanced fat technologies from natural ingredients for food companies to create healthier and more sustainable products. The company operates with zero-waste production principles using only natural inputs like sunflower oil and pea protein.
Circular EconomyCleantechFoodTech
Produces plant-based cheese products including shreds, slices, wheels, and cream cheese.
Harken Sweets produces plant-based candy bars made from date fruit, containing 14g of prebiotic fiber and no added sugar at 150 calories per bar. The company targets consumers seeking healthier indulgent treats that combine nostalgic candy bar experiences with gut-friendly, nutritious ingredients.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechWellness & Fitness
Katie
Produces plant-based dairy products including yogurt and ice cream in mainland China.
Mission Barns produces cultivated meat products, primarily pork-based items like meatballs, bacon, and sausages, combining lab-grown pork fat with plant protein for consumers seeking sustainable alternatives to conventional meat.
Climate TechFoodTechBerkeley, US
Produces plant-based protein bars, plant protein supplements, and related products.
NuCicer develops improved crop varieties through selective breeding, starting with high-protein chickpeas designed for better nutrition. The company uses predictive breeding and genetic diversity to optimize crops for specific nutritional outcomes rather than yield.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningFoodTechDavis, US
Offbeast manufactures plant-based whole-cut steaks using a proprietary fiber-alignment technology to achieve texture comparable to conventional meat products. The company serves consumers seeking plant-based alternatives to traditional beef.
Climate TechConsumerFoodTechNew York City, US
Insa Mohr(Founder)in
Airtable is a low-code platform that enables teams to build custom applications on shared data to automate workflows across enterprises. Organizations use it for product management, marketing campaigns, recruiting, and other operational processes.
AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
Howie Liu(Co-founder and CEO)Andrew Ofstad(Co-founder)Emmett Nicholas(Co-founder)
Produces novel fermented mycelium protein as an ingredient for meat alternatives and hybrid meat products.
Produces flavorings via multi-stage fermentation as ingredients for plant-based foods.
Leading high-quality plant-based meat brand in Brazil producing beef, chicken, and fish products.
UK-based plant-based meat company producing chicken, beef, and bacon stocked at leading retailers.
Board seats · per SEC filings · 4
what is this? ⓘ$8M raise · filed Nov 2025 · via James Caffyn
$6.5M raise · filed Jul 2024 · via James Caffyn
$1M raise · filed Dec 2023 · via Nick Gao Cooney
$19.6M raise · filed Jun 2022 · via Nick Cooney
Inferred from directors named on each company's SEC Form D — public regulatory data, not a portfolio list published by the firm.
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Lever VC invest at?
- Lever VC invests at the Seed, Series A stages.
- What sectors does Lever VC focus on?
- Lever VC focuses on AgTech, FoodTech.
- Does Lever VC lead rounds?
- Yes, Lever VC leads investment rounds.
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