Lever VC

Lever VC, established in 2017, is a global venture capital firm headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, with additional offices in San Francisco and Hong Kong. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies within the alternative protein sector, including plant-based and cell-based meat, egg, and dairy products. Lever VC operates globally, with a team spread across the US, Hong Kong, Europe, and Israel. The firm's Managing Partner, Nick Cooney, brings extensive experience in the alternative protein space, having previously co-founded New Crop Capital and the Good Food Institute. Lever VC's team has collectively deployed over $1.5 billion across various sectors, with over thirty investments in the alternative protein sector.

Ronen Bar

Venture Partner

James Caffyn

Partner

Jasmin Kern

Senior Associate

Felipe Krelling

Venture Partner

Laura Ocampo

Venture Partner

Ramzi Schumann

Venture Partner

Yoanna Zheng

Venture Partner

46 past transactions

XOXO Soda

Venture Round in 2025
XOXO Soda is a plant-based drink with prebiotic fiber that is low in sugar and calories.

Gavan

Series A in 2024
Gavan is a company based in Acre, HaZafon, Israel, founded in 2018 by Allen Hazan and Uri Jeremias. It specializes in the production of natural proteins intended to enhance food quality through sustainable methods. Gavan employs proprietary technology to extract high-purity proteins from plant sources while maintaining their natural structure and functionality. This innovative approach allows the food industry to create healthier and more environmentally friendly products without the need for animal-derived ingredients. By protecting the integrity of the biomass during the extraction process, Gavan ensures that additional ingredients can be obtained, further supporting sustainable food production practices.

Boston Bioprocess

Seed Round in 2024
Boston Bioprocess is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in the commercialization of microbial fermentation processes. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including strain evaluation, process development, and scale-up solutions, to support clients in optimizing the production of yeast, bacteria, and fungal microbes. By providing strain testing and feedback under conditions that mimic commercial manufacturing, as well as optimizing fermentation processes to enhance yields and reduce costs, Boston Bioprocess enables fermentation-based companies to efficiently transition from pilot scale to industrial scale. Additionally, the company focuses on downstream processing optimization and effective technology transfer, ensuring that clients have the necessary equipment and expertise to facilitate commercial testing and improve overall production efficiency.

HerdDogg

Series A in 2024
HerdDogg, Inc. is a company that specializes in real-time livestock monitoring solutions for producers across various sectors, including beef, bison, dairy, and sheep. Founded in 2015 and based in Ashland, Oregon, the company offers a two-part system consisting of DoggTag ear tags and a passive device known as DoggBone. These components work together to collect and transmit data on individual animals, allowing ranchers to monitor breeding, health, and traceability through a mobile app and software platform. By providing insights into the activity, health, and location of each animal, HerdDogg enhances herd management and supports data-driven decision-making for livestock producers.

Clever Carnivore

Seed Round in 2023
Clever Carnivore is a Chicago-based cultivated meat company founded in 2021 by Dr. Paul Burridge and Dr. Virginia Rangos. The company focuses on developing sustainable and cruelty-free meat products using advanced biotechnology and optimized processes to ensure cost-competitive offerings. Currently, Clever Carnivore is concentrating on cultivated pork products, including bratwurst, breakfast sausage, and Italian-style meatballs, as it prepares for its upcoming Series A funding round. By leveraging innovative cell lines and media, the company aims to meet the increasing global demand for meat while expanding the supply of accessible and delicious alternatives.

HerdDogg

Series A in 2023
HerdDogg, Inc. is a company that specializes in real-time livestock monitoring solutions for producers across various sectors, including beef, bison, dairy, and sheep. Founded in 2015 and based in Ashland, Oregon, the company offers a two-part system consisting of DoggTag ear tags and a passive device known as DoggBone. These components work together to collect and transmit data on individual animals, allowing ranchers to monitor breeding, health, and traceability through a mobile app and software platform. By providing insights into the activity, health, and location of each animal, HerdDogg enhances herd management and supports data-driven decision-making for livestock producers.

THIS

Series B in 2023
THIS is a plant-based meat brand that specializes in producing alternative meat products designed to cater to meat lovers. The company focuses on creating products from plant-based ingredients that are fortified with essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iron. By doing so, THIS aims to provide a satisfying culinary experience that mimics the taste and texture of traditional meat, allowing consumers to enjoy their favorite dishes without the ethical implications of animal consumption. The brand positions itself as a viable option for those seeking healthier and more sustainable dietary choices while maintaining the flavors and satisfaction typically associated with meat-based meals.

New School Foods

Seed Round in 2023
New School Foods is a producer of plant-based seafood alternatives that aims to provide consumers with products replicating the texture, flavor, nutritional benefits, and cooking experience of traditional seafood. Their flagship offering is a plant-based filet designed to resemble wild salmon, catering to the growing demand for sustainable food options. By focusing on creating whole-muscle seafood substitutes, New School Foods seeks to contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable food system, appealing to a global market of consumers interested in healthier and environmentally friendly dietary choices.

GROUNDED

Seed Round in 2022
Grounded is a London-based food and beverage company founded in 2016, specializing in the production of healthy natural drinks. The company focuses on creating low-sugar and plant-based beverages, including protein milkshakes made from coconut milk. Grounded uses only raw ingredients sourced from nature, ensuring that its products provide a flavorful and nutritious alternative to traditional drinks. The packaging is environmentally friendly, utilizing materials derived from plants, which aligns with the company's commitment to sustainability while catering to health-conscious consumers.

NuCicer

Seed Round in 2022
NuCicer is a company dedicated to transforming chickpeas into a staple superfood through the development of innovative varieties that offer enhanced nutritional benefits, improved flavor, and cost-effective ingredients. By leveraging the world's most diverse chickpea breeding library alongside a proprietary breeding innovation platform, NuCicer integrates plant genetics and machine learning to create customized chickpea varieties. These varieties are designed to have higher protein content and specific functional and nutritional properties, while also addressing environmental sustainability concerns. This approach not only meets the growing demand for nutritious food options but also supports the alternative-meat sector, ultimately aiming to reduce agriculture's environmental footprint and provide diverse solutions for the agri-food system.

Bond Pet Foods

Venture Round in 2022
Bond Pet Foods, established in 2015 and based in Boulder, Colorado, specializes in manufacturing pet food products using real animal protein produced through fermentation. The company cultivates animal proteins in a lab setting using biotechnology, eliminating the need for animal slaughter. These proteins are then harvested and formulated into pet nutrition and food products, meeting the specific dietary requirements of companion animals. Bond Pet Foods aims to provide sustainable, all-natural, and animal-free alternatives for pet owners seeking eco-friendly options.

Avant Meats

Venture Round in 2022
Avant Meats is a biotechnology company that specializes in the production of cell-based animal protein food products, specifically focusing on fish and marine proteins. The company has developed an end-to-end technology platform that enables the production of nutritious and flavorful fish proteins directly from fish cells, eliminating the need for traditional fishing practices. This innovative approach allows for the sustainable cultivation of animal-free protein, ensuring that the resulting products are free from pollutants and produced in a fully contained environment. Avant Meats aims to provide customers with high-quality, sustainable protein options for various applications, including food, skincare, and functional use, while advancing commercial product innovation and intellectual property in the field.

CellX

Series A in 2022
CellX is pioneering the production of mushroom protein derived from morel mycelium fermentation, aiming to create innovative ingredient and product solutions suitable for savory snacks, protein powders, and meat alternatives. The company is actively involved in the commercialization of cultivated meat by licensing existing intellectual properties and developing advanced technology offerings, including suspension cell lines and serum-free media. These technologies have achieved impressive results, such as a cell density of 30 million cells per milliliter and a media cost of less than five dollars per liter, with successful testing conducted at a 2,000-liter scale. Additionally, CellX utilizes 3D bioprinting technology in its development of cell-cultivated meat products, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and the provision of environmentally friendly and healthy animal protein alternatives.

Melt&Marble

Seed Round in 2022
Melt&Marble is a company focused on enabling the plant-based food industry by providing innovative fat solutions that are both environmentally friendly and palatable. Utilizing precision fermentation, Melt&Marble produces animal fats without the use of animals by engineering microbial metabolism. This approach allows the company to control the structure and properties of the fats generated, enabling the creation of fats that can closely mimic traditional animal fats or even develop entirely new formulations. By generating yeast cell factories through advanced bioengineering techniques, Melt&Marble empowers food manufacturers to enhance the taste and health profile of plant-based foods, aiming to make them as appealing and nutritious as their animal-based counterparts.

Mooji Meats

Seed Round in 2022
Mooji Meats is a sustainable food manufacturing company specializing in the production of plant-based steaks designed to replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat. Utilizing a proprietary platform, Mooji Meats effectively mimics muscle structure using plant fibers, offering consumers an alternative to rib-eye steaks that delivers both indulgence and satisfaction. The company emphasizes health and environmental consciousness in its products, ensuring they are non-genetically modified organisms (GMO). Through its innovative approach, Mooji Meats aims to provide a luxurious dining experience while catering to the growing demand for sustainable food options.

Good Food Technologies

Seed Round in 2022
Good Food Technologies is a Hong Kong-based startup specializing in innovative food research and development, as well as manufacturing. The company focuses on creating plant-based meat products using non-GMO soy as the primary protein source. By offering vegetarian alternatives, Good Food Technologies aims to provide consumers with healthier and sustainable options to replace traditional meat.

NuCicer

Seed Round in 2022
NuCicer is a company dedicated to transforming chickpeas into a staple superfood through the development of innovative varieties that offer enhanced nutritional benefits, improved flavor, and cost-effective ingredients. By leveraging the world's most diverse chickpea breeding library alongside a proprietary breeding innovation platform, NuCicer integrates plant genetics and machine learning to create customized chickpea varieties. These varieties are designed to have higher protein content and specific functional and nutritional properties, while also addressing environmental sustainability concerns. This approach not only meets the growing demand for nutritious food options but also supports the alternative-meat sector, ultimately aiming to reduce agriculture's environmental footprint and provide diverse solutions for the agri-food system.

Nude

Series A in 2022
Nude is a food technology company that specializes in producing innovative, plant-based food products derived from organically grown oats sourced from small producers. Committed to sustainability, Nude aligns its operations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and emphasizes the importance of flavor and health in its offerings. The company focuses on simplifying the consumption of vegetable alternatives while actively calculating the carbon footprint of its products, ensuring that its impact on the environment is minimized. Led by a team of women, Nude strives to create a positive influence in the food industry through its commitment to sustainability and quality.

Marvelous Foods

Angel Round in 2022
Marvelous Foods is a plant-based snack foods start-up focused on producing and retailing dairy-free coconut yogurt under the brand name yeyo yogurt. The company aims to provide nutritious, flavorful, and environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional dairy products. By prioritizing gut health and catering to dietary restrictions, Marvelous Foods appeals to consumers seeking allergy-friendly options. Initially, the company shared its yogurt with friends, family, and local eateries that appreciate natural food choices, positioning itself as a promoter of healthy eating and sustainable practices in the food industry.

NoMoo Plant-Based

Series A in 2021
NoMoo Plant-Based is a manufacturer of fermented cashew nut cheeses and yogurts, specializing in plant-based milk products as sustainable alternatives to animal-based offerings. The company produces a variety of vegan products, including cheese, yogurt, mayonnaise, and French-style fermented butter, all made from locally sourced cashews. By focusing on these plant-based options, NoMoo Plant-Based aims to provide consumers with delicious and environmentally friendly choices that celebrate Brazilian cuisine.

Welldone

Series A in 2021
Welldone is a producer of plant-based meat products, offering nutritious and affordable alternatives to animal-based foods. Based in Russia, the company leverages strong research and development capabilities and local sourcing to create a variety of products including cutlets, minced meat, and patties. Welldone aims to be the leading brand in its home country, serving over 140 million people, with plans to expand internationally. The company is committed to reaching price parity with traditional meat by 2022 to appeal to a broader consumer base while promoting ethical and sustainable food choices.

THIS

Series A in 2021
THIS is a plant-based meat brand that specializes in producing alternative meat products designed to cater to meat lovers. The company focuses on creating products from plant-based ingredients that are fortified with essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iron. By doing so, THIS aims to provide a satisfying culinary experience that mimics the taste and texture of traditional meat, allowing consumers to enjoy their favorite dishes without the ethical implications of animal consumption. The brand positions itself as a viable option for those seeking healthier and more sustainable dietary choices while maintaining the flavors and satisfaction typically associated with meat-based meals.

Marvelous Foods

Seed Round in 2021
Marvelous Foods is a plant-based snack foods start-up focused on producing and retailing dairy-free coconut yogurt under the brand name yeyo yogurt. The company aims to provide nutritious, flavorful, and environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional dairy products. By prioritizing gut health and catering to dietary restrictions, Marvelous Foods appeals to consumers seeking allergy-friendly options. Initially, the company shared its yogurt with friends, family, and local eateries that appreciate natural food choices, positioning itself as a promoter of healthy eating and sustainable practices in the food industry.

Mission Barns

Series A in 2021
Mission Barns, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2018. It specializes in the production of cell-cultured meat by cultivating animal cells in a nutrient-rich environment. By utilizing cellular agriculture techniques, Mission Barns aims to create sustainable meat products that minimize the negative impacts associated with traditional intensive animal farming. The company focuses on growing meat in a way that is efficient and environmentally friendly, allowing consumers to enjoy juicy and savory meats while contributing to a more sustainable food system.

New Singularity

Seed Round in 2021
New Singularity is a startup that produces plant-based seafood using mycelium fermentation technology.

BLUU Seafood

Seed Round in 2021
BLUU Seafood is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercial production of cultivated fish. The company specializes in food technology that creates seafood products derived from fish cells, offering a healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional fishing practices. By prioritizing the well-being of animals and the preservation of fragile ocean ecosystems, BLUU Seafood aims to provide nutritious fish products that can be enjoyed for generations. Through its innovative approach, the company seeks to meet the growing demand for sustainable seafood while minimizing environmental impact.

CellX

Seed Round in 2021
CellX is pioneering the production of mushroom protein derived from morel mycelium fermentation, aiming to create innovative ingredient and product solutions suitable for savory snacks, protein powders, and meat alternatives. The company is actively involved in the commercialization of cultivated meat by licensing existing intellectual properties and developing advanced technology offerings, including suspension cell lines and serum-free media. These technologies have achieved impressive results, such as a cell density of 30 million cells per milliliter and a media cost of less than five dollars per liter, with successful testing conducted at a 2,000-liter scale. Additionally, CellX utilizes 3D bioprinting technology in its development of cell-cultivated meat products, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and the provision of environmentally friendly and healthy animal protein alternatives.

The New

Seed Round in 2021
The New is a Brazilian food technology company specializing in the production of plant-based meats that serve as alternatives to animal-based products. The company offers a range of meat substitutes, including options that resemble beef burgers, chicken tenders, and salmon fillets, utilizing ingredients such as pea protein, coconut oil, and beetroot. The products are designed to be gluten-free and free from added sugars, catering to consumers seeking healthier and sustainable food choices.

HERO Protein

Pre Seed Round in 2021
HERO Protein is an alternative protein company dedicated to producing plant-based meat products that are both flavorful and accessible. The company utilizes high moisture extrusion technology, a method not widely employed by domestic plant-based brands in China as of 2021, to create alternatives to beef, chicken, and fish. HERO Protein's offerings aim to provide consumers with the culinary experience and taste of conventional meat while prioritizing food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. Through its innovative approach, HERO Protein seeks to meet the growing demand for plant-based options in the marketplace.

Avant Meats

Seed Round in 2020
Avant Meats is a biotechnology company that specializes in the production of cell-based animal protein food products, specifically focusing on fish and marine proteins. The company has developed an end-to-end technology platform that enables the production of nutritious and flavorful fish proteins directly from fish cells, eliminating the need for traditional fishing practices. This innovative approach allows for the sustainable cultivation of animal-free protein, ensuring that the resulting products are free from pollutants and produced in a fully contained environment. Avant Meats aims to provide customers with high-quality, sustainable protein options for various applications, including food, skincare, and functional use, while advancing commercial product innovation and intellectual property in the field.

CellX

Pre Seed Round in 2020
CellX is pioneering the production of mushroom protein derived from morel mycelium fermentation, aiming to create innovative ingredient and product solutions suitable for savory snacks, protein powders, and meat alternatives. The company is actively involved in the commercialization of cultivated meat by licensing existing intellectual properties and developing advanced technology offerings, including suspension cell lines and serum-free media. These technologies have achieved impressive results, such as a cell density of 30 million cells per milliliter and a media cost of less than five dollars per liter, with successful testing conducted at a 2,000-liter scale. Additionally, CellX utilizes 3D bioprinting technology in its development of cell-cultivated meat products, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and the provision of environmentally friendly and healthy animal protein alternatives.

Bond Pet Foods

Convertible Note in 2020
Bond Pet Foods, established in 2015 and based in Boulder, Colorado, specializes in manufacturing pet food products using real animal protein produced through fermentation. The company cultivates animal proteins in a lab setting using biotechnology, eliminating the need for animal slaughter. These proteins are then harvested and formulated into pet nutrition and food products, meeting the specific dietary requirements of companion animals. Bond Pet Foods aims to provide sustainable, all-natural, and animal-free alternatives for pet owners seeking eco-friendly options.

GOOD PLANeT Foods

Series A in 2020
Good PLANeT Foods LLC, incorporated in 2017 and based in Bellevue, Washington, specializes in producing premium plant-based cheese products. The company offers a variety of cheese alternatives, including shreds and slices in flavors such as mozzarella, smoked mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, smoked provolone, garlic and herb, and hot pepper. Good PLANeT Foods aims to provide consumers with delicious and nutritious dairy-free options that replicate the flavors of traditional cheese, all while promoting animal rights and environmental sustainability. The company is dedicated to offering a healthy alternative to dairy cheese without compromising on taste.

GROUNDED

Seed Round in 2020
Grounded is a London-based food and beverage company founded in 2016, specializing in the production of healthy natural drinks. The company focuses on creating low-sugar and plant-based beverages, including protein milkshakes made from coconut milk. Grounded uses only raw ingredients sourced from nature, ensuring that its products provide a flavorful and nutritious alternative to traditional drinks. The packaging is environmentally friendly, utilizing materials derived from plants, which aligns with the company's commitment to sustainability while catering to health-conscious consumers.

TurtleTree

Pre Seed Round in 2020
TurtleTree Labs is a biotechnology company founded in 2019 and based in Singapore, specializing in the production of real milk from animal cells. The company employs innovative cell-based technology that utilizes mammary cells to create dairy products in a sustainable manner, eliminating the need for traditional animal farming. TurtleTree focuses on developing clean and safe milk ingredients that are not only healthier for consumers but also environmentally sustainable, aiming to enhance nutrition while minimizing ecological impact. By providing customized dairy alternatives, TurtleTree seeks to address the nutritional needs of people while promoting better animal welfare and reducing environmental degradation.

The Better Meat

Seed Round in 2020
The Better Meat Co. is a business-to-business company based in West Sacramento, California, that specializes in producing plant-based protein formulas for foodservice providers and meat processors. Founded in 2018, the company offers a range of products designed to enhance traditional meat items while promoting health and sustainability. Its offerings include Damona, a beef-specific enhancer for burgers and meatballs; Albina, a plant protein formula for ground pork products such as sausages and chorizo; and Thunderbird, which is tailored for ground chicken applications. Utilizing fermentation and mycoprotein technology, The Better Meat Co. aims to provide versatile, allergen-free ingredients that can seamlessly blend into various meat products, enabling food companies to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining flavor and quality.

Bond Pet Foods

Seed Round in 2019
Bond Pet Foods, established in 2015 and based in Boulder, Colorado, specializes in manufacturing pet food products using real animal protein produced through fermentation. The company cultivates animal proteins in a lab setting using biotechnology, eliminating the need for animal slaughter. These proteins are then harvested and formulated into pet nutrition and food products, meeting the specific dietary requirements of companion animals. Bond Pet Foods aims to provide sustainable, all-natural, and animal-free alternatives for pet owners seeking eco-friendly options.

The Good Spoon

Seed Round in 2019
The Good Spoon Co is a Paris-based company founded in 2019 that specializes in the manufacture and distribution of gourmet, plant-based condiments. Focusing on sustainability and health, the company offers a range of eggless sauces and vegan mayonnaises made primarily from microalgae, a nutrient-rich alternative to traditional ingredients. Its product lineup includes various flavors such as Supernaise, Garlinaise, Currynaise, and Spicynaise, catering to consumers seeking flavorful and environmentally conscious condiment options. By utilizing microalgae, The Good Spoon Co aims to provide innovative alternatives to classic mayonnaise, appealing to those who prioritize plant-based diets without compromising on taste.

GOOD PLANeT Foods

Seed Round in 2019
Good PLANeT Foods LLC, incorporated in 2017 and based in Bellevue, Washington, specializes in producing premium plant-based cheese products. The company offers a variety of cheese alternatives, including shreds and slices in flavors such as mozzarella, smoked mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, smoked provolone, garlic and herb, and hot pepper. Good PLANeT Foods aims to provide consumers with delicious and nutritious dairy-free options that replicate the flavors of traditional cheese, all while promoting animal rights and environmental sustainability. The company is dedicated to offering a healthy alternative to dairy cheese without compromising on taste.

Avant Meats

Seed Round in 2019
Avant Meats is a biotechnology company that specializes in the production of cell-based animal protein food products, specifically focusing on fish and marine proteins. The company has developed an end-to-end technology platform that enables the production of nutritious and flavorful fish proteins directly from fish cells, eliminating the need for traditional fishing practices. This innovative approach allows for the sustainable cultivation of animal-free protein, ensuring that the resulting products are free from pollutants and produced in a fully contained environment. Avant Meats aims to provide customers with high-quality, sustainable protein options for various applications, including food, skincare, and functional use, while advancing commercial product innovation and intellectual property in the field.

Mission Barns

Seed Round in 2019
Mission Barns, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2018. It specializes in the production of cell-cultured meat by cultivating animal cells in a nutrient-rich environment. By utilizing cellular agriculture techniques, Mission Barns aims to create sustainable meat products that minimize the negative impacts associated with traditional intensive animal farming. The company focuses on growing meat in a way that is efficient and environmentally friendly, allowing consumers to enjoy juicy and savory meats while contributing to a more sustainable food system.

Marvelous Foods

Seed Round in 2019
Marvelous Foods is a plant-based snack foods start-up focused on producing and retailing dairy-free coconut yogurt under the brand name yeyo yogurt. The company aims to provide nutritious, flavorful, and environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional dairy products. By prioritizing gut health and catering to dietary restrictions, Marvelous Foods appeals to consumers seeking allergy-friendly options. Initially, the company shared its yogurt with friends, family, and local eateries that appreciate natural food choices, positioning itself as a promoter of healthy eating and sustainable practices in the food industry.

Mush Foods

Mush Foods, based in New York, specializes in cultivating edible mushroom mycelium as an innovative food source. Their debut product line, 50CUT, is a unique blend that integrates seamlessly with real animal meat, offering consumers a more sustainable and nutritious option. By utilizing fermentation and artificial intelligence, Mush Foods efficiently produces its fungi-based ingredients, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint by half while enhancing taste and affordability.
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