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Benny Pei is a Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Lever VC GP DFP Capital, a global venture capital firm focused on the alternative protein sector. Since 2018, he has directed early-stage investments across the food technology and agricultural technology markets alongside Managing Partner Nick Cooney. Pei helped launch the firm's inaugural fund, which completed a €19.5 million first close before ultimately reaching $80 million in total capital commitments. He utilizes a proprietary database tracking over 6,000 global startups to oversee a portfolio that includes TurtleTree Labs, Better Meat Co, and other alternative protein developers. His investment strategy targets plant-based and cell-cultivated meat producers, capitalizing on industry momentum generated by major corporate partners like Perdue Farms. Pei currently focuses on funding and scaling early-stage cellular agriculture and precision fermentation startups across international markets.
Benny Pei is a distinguished Partner at Lever VC, a pioneering venture capital fund exclusively focused on the burgeoning alternative protein sector. In his pivotal role, Benny is instrumental in shaping the future of food by identifying, evaluating, and investing in groundbreaking companies that are revolutionizing how we produce and consume protein. His work at Lever VC underscores a commitment to fostering sustainable, ethical, and efficient food systems globally.
Lever VC's investment mandate, significantly influenced by leaders like Benny Pei, targets a diverse range of alternative protein innovations. This includes plant-based meat, dairy, and egg alternatives, which leverage botanical ingredients to replicate traditional animal products. Furthermore, Benny focuses on the cutting edge of cultivated meat technology, supporting companies that are developing real meat from animal cells without the need for animal farming. Fermentation-based proteins, utilizing microbial processes to create novel food ingredients and products, also fall within his key investment areas. He actively seeks out enabling technologies that support the entire alternative protein ecosystem, from ingredient development to processing and distribution.
Benny's career trajectory showcases a deep understanding of investment analysis and market dynamics. Prior to his current role as Partner, he honed his expertise as an Investment Manager and Investment Analyst at Lever VC, progressively taking on more responsibility in deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management. This extensive experience within the firm has provided him with an unparalleled insight into the unique challenges and opportunities within the alternative protein space. Before joining Lever VC, Benny gained valuable financial acumen as an Investment Analyst at China Everbright Limited and as an Analyst at Deloitte, where he developed a robust foundation in financial modeling and strategic analysis. His academic background in Actuarial Science from the University of Hong Kong further underpins his analytical rigor and data-driven approach to investment decisions.
While specific investments are often a collective effort of the Lever VC team, Benny Pei's leadership contributes significantly to the firm's impressive portfolio. Lever VC has backed numerous industry leaders and innovators across the alternative protein landscape, including companies like The EVERY Company, TurtleTree, MeliBio, and Mission Barns. Through his strategic insights and dedication, Benny helps guide these companies from early-stage development to market leadership, driving both financial returns and positive global impact. His work is vital in advancing the mission of Lever VC to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and compassionate food system.
Benny Pei is a Partner at Lever VC, a venture capital firm specializing in alternative protein investments. He plays a key role in identifying and supporting innovative food tech startups globally.
Benny Pei invests in alternative protein companies, including those focused on plant-based meat, dairy, and egg alternatives, cultivated meat, fermentation-based proteins, and enabling technologies for the alternative protein sector.
Benny Pei works as a Partner at Lever VC, a leading venture capital fund exclusively dedicated to investing in early-stage alternative protein companies around the world.
