Levur
Overview
Levur is an innovative biotechnology company specializing in the production of nature-identical oils through precision fermentation. Founded in 2023 and based in Sydney, Australia, Levur aims to replace unsustainable plant and animal oils, such as palm oil, with environmentally friendly alternatives. The company, co-founded by Tom Collier and Joanne Barber, has raised approximately $1.3 million in funding, with key investments from GrainCorp Ventures and Main Sequence Ventures.
Recent Developments
- May 2025: Levur secured $1.2 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Main Sequence Ventures and GrainCorp Ventures. The funds will support the commercialization of Levur's bio-technology platform for producing sustainable oils, including samples of palm oil derivatives (e.g., OPO for infant formula and MCT for cosmetics).
- January 2025: Levur won the $100,000 Nature Positive Prize at the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge. The company was recognized for its innovative approach to producing sustainable alternatives to palm oil, helping to tackle deforestation and biodiversity loss.
- 2024: Participated in the SparkLabs Cultiv8 accelerator program, focusing on sustainable food systems and regenerative economy. Levur received advisory support from KPMG to help scale its operations and reach new markets.
- October 2023 - January 2024: Levur completed several rounds of accelerator/incubator support, contributing to their growth and revenue generation.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2023 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia |
| Founders | Tom Collier, Joanne Barber |
| Revenue | Not disclosed |
| Profits | Not disclosed |
| Key Investors | GrainCorp Ventures, Main Sequence Ventures |
| Industry | Biotechnology, Sustainable Oils |
| Number of Employees | 2-10 |
Early History
Levur was conceived as a response to the environmental challenges posed by traditional oil production methods, particularly the palm oil industry. Co-founder Tom Collier's visit to Borneo, which highlighted the deforestation and habitat destruction caused by palm oil production, was a catalyst for the company's inception. Drawing on his background in synthetic biology, Collier, along with business strategist Joanne Barber, founded Levur to leverage precision fermentation, producing sustainable oils without adverse ecological impacts. Initially operating out of Macquarie University, they focused on using yeast to brew oils that mimic natural ones, aiming to disrupt traditional supply chains in the cosmetics and food industries.
Company Profile and Achievements
Levur operates on a business model centered around precision fermentation technology, where yeast is used to produce high-quality oil substitutes. This innovative approach offers a scalable solution to the environmental issues associated with traditional oil production. Significant achievements include:
- Funding and Support: Secured over $1.3 million in funding, with significant backing from both public and private investors aimed at scaling their operations.
- Accelerator Programs: Successful completion of multiple accelerator programs that bolstered their technical capabilities and market reach.
- Strategic Partnerships: Establishing collaborations with major consumer goods manufacturers, focusing on the development of sustainable ingredient solutions.
- Technological Innovation: Development of a proprietary platform that allows for the production of oils like OPO and MCT through fermentation.
- Awards and Recognition: Winning significant awards, such as the KPMG Nature Positive Prize, highlighting the company's leadership in sustainable innovation.
Current Operations and Market Position
Currently, Levur is actively scaling its operations to meet the growing demand for sustainable oil alternatives. The company is in discussion with major players in the food and cosmetics industries, including Cargill, Procter & Gamble, and L’Oreal, to incorporate its products into their supply chains. Levur's strategic partnerships and innovative fermentation technology position it as a leader in the biotech sector, with a growing influence in reducing the environmental footprint of oil production.
Conclusion
Levur represents a significant development in the field of sustainable biotechnology, with the potential to transform industries heavily reliant on unsustainable oils. By harnessing precision fermentation, Levur not only offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional oils but also presents a viable business model for ethical and sustainable production practices. As the company continues to innovate and expand, Levur is poised to make a substantial impact on global supply chains, promoting a more sustainable future in the consumer goods sector.