E107: Combining Venture Capitalism and Philanthropy for More Sustainable Food Systems with Nick Cooney

 In this episode of the Lead With Heart Podcast, I sit down with Nick Cooney, the founder and Managing Partner at Lever VC, a trailblazing early-stage venture capital fund focused on food tech, ag tech, and sustainable food innovation that is changing the game.

Together, we explore the interplay between venture capital and philanthropy that, if done well, can reshape the future of food. We dive into the world of impact investing, sustainable food systems, and the power of action-driven philanthropy. You’ll also learn how to overcome your internal barriers and start helping others today.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES

“If there is investment funding directed to new technologies, or ingredients, or products that are better than what they’re replacing, more sustainable, more humane, healthier for consumers. That is how venture capital dollars and investment dollars generally can be a force for good.” – Nick Cooney

“ Actually, you may feel like you don’t have the ability to create a lot of change in the world. You might feel like you’re not that powerful, but the reality is nearly every one of us has this huge amount of power to dramatically improve the lives of many others.” – Nick Cooney

“ Giving more of what we have to help those in need is just a matter of changing habits, and once we get into the habit of doing it, it’s easy to maintain, and we can get a lot of meaning and enjoyment of doing it.” – Nick Cooney

RESOURCES

Discover Nick’s books, including his latest, What We Don’t Do.

Learn more about the Lever Foundation.

Catch up with my talk with Alix Lebec, who also blends philanthropy and financing, in episode 68 of Lead With Heart.

Find the Giving USA Annual Report here.

For more information on the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s reports, catch up with episode 102 of Lead With Heart.

Catch up with my talk with Jenn Klein, author of Giving is Selfish, in episode 24 of Lead With Heart.

The EmC Masterclass developed by Dr. Lola Gershfeld is for everyone looking to enhance their communication and collaboration skills to raise more revenue for their mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations like ICF HRCI, and SHRM. Use the code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a generous 10% discount.

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CONNECT WITH NICK

LinkedIn: Nick Cooney

Instagram: @nick.cooney2

Website: nickcooney.com

CONNECT WITH HALEY

Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.

Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser

LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE

Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com