Lever VC

At Lever VC, we’ve just released a new report analyzing the rapid progress of second-wave cultivated meat companies—startups that have built on the lessons of early pioneers to move with speed and efficiency. Early skepticism around cultivated meat was understandable. But the latest data paints a different picture. Growth media costs, once estimated at around $100 per liter, have dropped dramatically to < $1 per liter for the top-performing companies. Bioprocessing strategies have matured as well, with companies now adopting continuous harvesting and developing low-cost bioreactor systems, both of which are helping accelerate scale-up and reduce capital requirements. The sector still has a long road ahead, but the notion that cultivated meat could never be viable is increasingly outdated. 📄 Read coverage in Protein Report: https://lnkd.in/dRttCG7A 📄 And in AgFunderNews: https://lnkd.in/guBV9BGv Access the full report at: www.levervc.com/insights #cultivatedmeat #foodtech #venturecapital #futureoffood #levervc

Lever VC is pleased to announce our co-lead investment in XOXO Soda, a fast-growing UK start-up redefining the soft drinks category with its bold, prebiotic sodas. We've seen how quickly the prebiotic soda segment has scaled in the U.S., and Europe presents a similarly compelling opportunity, with a rapidly expanding base of health-conscious consumers and a category still wide open for disruption. XOXO has demonstrated exceptionally fast consumer uptake, strong repeat rates, and real traction at retail—growing 5x year-over-year and now in over 7,000 stores, with expansion to 11,000+ expected this summer. With a brand that stands out and a product that delivers on both flavour and function, XOXO is well-positioned to lead the next generation of functional soft drinks across Europe. We are thrilled to partner with Rory Paterson and the XOXO SODA team. Read more on The Grocer: https://lnkd.in/diM536P4 #prebioticsoda #guthealthy #xoxosoda #drinkxoxo #venturecapital

Today Lever VC Managing Partner Nick Cooney's new book, What We Don't Do, was released by Simon & Schuster and Regalo Press: https://lnkd.in/ewZXXd2W . It's already Amazon's #1 new release across multiple categories, and is well worth the read for those in the VC and finance space (and others) interested in making a positive impact with their life and work.

Congratulations to our portfolio company 50CUT (formerly Mush Foods) on being named a 2025 FABI Favorites Award Winner by the National Restaurant Association Show. Selected as one of just ten standout innovations, 50CUT’s Bratwurst Sausage—developed in collaboration with Chef Aurélien Dufour—was recognized for its impact on the future of food service.

Congrats to the 50CUT (formerly Mush Foods) team for this big milestone. We are excited for 50cut to take animal meat to the next level!

Lever VC Managing Partner Nick Cooney has authored a new book, What We Don’t Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More—out April 15 with Simon & Schuster. The book challenges readers in finance and VC to apply ROI-style thinking to doing good, drawing praise from VC and biotech leaders like Steve Jurvetson (former Tesla and SpaceX board director) and George Church (the "Father of Genomics"). Read more about the book here: https://lnkd.in/eAdUNMyh #LeverVC #VentureCapital #Impact #NewBook #NickCooney

Tiba Tempeh | B-Corp and THIS™, both Lever VC Fund I portfolio companies, led the UK chilled meat-free category in growth and sales over the past year. According to Nielsen, Tiba Tempeh is now the fastest-growing brand, up 736%, adding £1.2M in retail sales. THIS also topped the charts, highlighting the growth potential in the alternative protein space for select, high-performing brands. THIS also secured the #14 spot out of 200 companies in the latest #FoodTech500 ranking, recognizing the most impactful agrifoodtech companies globally. Read more about the list here: https://lnkd.in/eMP64QU

Lever VC is thrilled to share that our Fund I portfolio company, Mission Barns, has achieved FDA approval for its cultivated pork fat—a major milestone for the future of food. We’ve had the privilege of tasting it firsthand, and the impact on taste and texture is remarkable. We look forward to seeing more consumers experience the impact of cultivated meat in plant-based products. Congrats to the Mission Barns team!

Discover the top animal agtech start-ups Lever VC is watching in 2025—driving innovation in sustainability and animal welfare. #animalwelfare #sustainability #animalag #livestock #aquaculture #agtech

Thrilled to see Oobli scaling its operations with incredible partners and building a healthier, sweeter world together!