Nick Cooney shares his journey from a journalism major to becoming a managing partner at Lever VC, discussing his diverse career in nonprofit work focused on animal advocacy and the transition to food technology.

He elaborates on the establishment of Lever VC and Lever Foundation, their missions, and the impact they aim to create in the food and agriculture sectors. Nick also addresses current trends in food tech, the challenges faced in the market, and his insights on investment strategies. Additionally, he introduces his new book, 'What We Don't Do,' which emphasizes the importance of action in creating positive change.

In this conversation, Nick Cooney discusses the ethical implications of inaction in philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of giving and the impact it can have on reducing suffering. He explores motivations behind charitable actions, the illusion of scarcity, and the influence of consumerism on happiness. Cooney also addresses the role of public figures as role models in philanthropy and encourages listeners to take actionable steps towards making a difference in the world.

Where to find Nick

Nick Cooney is the founder and managing partner of venture capital firm Lever VC and the author of What We Don’t Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More (Regalo Press, 2025). His work has been covered in hundreds of media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, CNN, Bloomberg, Reuters, TIME, the Los Angeles Times, NBC, Forbes, and similar.

Nick is also the founder and board chair of Lever Foundation, a non-profit focused on advancing a humane and sustainable food system, and previously founded and co-founded the non-profits The Humane League and the Good Food Institute. He is the author of several previous books on how to effectively carry out charity work, including How to Be Great at Doing Good and Change of Heart, and advises on philanthropic giving. He lives in the greater New York City region.

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