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Lever VC is a venture capital firm established in 2018, headquartered in the greater New York City area. The firm focuses on investments in the food and agriculture sectors, particularly companies innovating in sustainable food production and agricultural practices. Lever VC was founded by Nick Cooney, who has a background in non-profit leadership and investment in the food technology space.
As of the latest reports, Lever VC manages approximately $150 million in assets under management (AUM) and has completed over 100 deals collectively across its investment team. The firm has made significant strides in the food and AgTech sectors, with a notable focus on early-stage investments, particularly in seed and Series A rounds. Lever VC's first fund closed at $80 million during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the firm is currently raising its second fund, which has achieved a first close of $50 million with a target size of $250 million.
Lever VC invests in a diversified portfolio within the food and AgTech sectors, targeting companies that demonstrate significant improvements in quality, price, sustainability, and functionality. The firm focuses on several key investment categories, including novel food ingredients, seed genetics, animal agriculture technology, plant-based foods, alternative proteins, and pet food. Lever VC is particularly interested in businesses that innovate in food production and agriculture, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency.
The firm typically invests in early-stage companies, specifically at the seed, Series A, and Series B stages. Check sizes range from $200,000 to $1 million for initial investments, with follow-on investments between $1 million and $4 million. Lever VC's geographic focus includes North America and Latin America, aligning with its mission to support sustainable food solutions across these regions.
Lever VC's portfolio includes a range of innovative companies in the food and AgTech sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Nick Cooney: Founder & Managing Partner. Nick has a background in non-profit leadership and investment, focusing on sustainable food solutions. He has been active in the food technology space since 2014.
Dr. Jonathan Avesar: Scientific Lead. Dr. Avesar brings expertise in food science and technology, contributing to Lever VC's focus on innovative food production methods.
Yaqi Gao Grover: Partner. Yaqi has experience in venture capital and a strong background in the food and agriculture sectors, helping to identify promising investment opportunities.
Nurul Amira Bay Ali: Associate. Nurul supports the investment team in evaluating potential portfolio companies and conducting market research.
To pitch Lever VC, founders should send an email to team@levervc.com with a comprehensive pitch deck. The deck should include details about the business model, market opportunity, and alignment with Lever VC's focus on sustainability and innovation in food production. Founders are encouraged to provide clear metrics and projections to support their case.
Lever VC typically responds to inquiries within a few weeks, and while warm introductions can be beneficial, they are not strictly necessary. The firm appreciates well-prepared pitches that demonstrate a clear understanding of the food and AgTech sectors.
In 2022, Lever VC announced the first close of its second fund at $50 million, targeting a total size of $250 million. This fund aims to continue supporting innovative companies in the food and AgTech sectors.
Lever VC has made several notable investments in recent years, including companies like Gavan Technologies and Oobli, which focus on novel food ingredients and sweet proteins, respectively. The firm remains active in updating its portfolio and engaging with new startups in the food technology space.
What are Lever VC's investment criteria?
Lever VC focuses on early-stage investments in the food and AgTech sectors, particularly companies innovating in sustainability and efficiency. They look for businesses that demonstrate significant improvements in quality, price, and functionality.
How can I pitch to Lever VC?
Founders can reach out to Lever VC via email at team@levervc.com. It is recommended to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and how the company aligns with Lever VC's focus areas.
What makes Lever VC different from other investors?
Lever VC specializes in the food and agriculture sectors, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Their team has extensive experience in the food technology space, having collectively deployed over $500 million across more than 100 deals prior to the firm's founding.
What is the geographic scope of Lever VC's investments?
Lever VC primarily invests in North America and Latin America, targeting companies that are innovating within these regions.
What are the typical check sizes for investments?
Initial investments typically range from $200,000 to $1 million, while follow-on investments can range from $1 million to $4 million, depending on the growth stage of the portfolio company.
What kind of post-investment support does Lever VC provide?
Lever VC actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing mentorship, operational support, and access to their extensive network in the food and AgTech sectors.
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