Key Takeaways
- Calgary-based Cellar Insights closed an oversubscribed seed funding round.
- The round was co-led by Tall Grass Ventures and Accelerate Fund IV, with additional support from Carrot Ventures, University of Alberta Innovation Fund, UCeed, and others.
- The company uses sensors and AI models to detect gases from decomposing potatoes, enabling earlier spoilage detection.
- Its platform is already monitoring more than 150 million pounds of potatoes in North America.
- Funding will support AI model development, predictive capabilities, and expansion across Canada and the U.S.
Cellar Insights’s Seed Round Backed by AgTech Investors
Cellar Insights, a Calgary-based AgTech company focused on reducing storage losses for potato growers, has announced the close of an oversubscribed seed round. The financing was co-led by Tall Grass Ventures and Accelerate Fund IV, with participation from Carrot Ventures, University of Alberta Innovation Fund, UCeed, and other investors.
CEO Terry Sydoryk said: “This investment validates our vision and technology. With the backing of these top-tier AgTech investors, we’re ready to scale faster, expand into new markets, and give growers unprecedented clarity and control over storage.”
Technology and Market Impact
The company’s system combines sensors with AI models to detect trace gases released by decomposing potatoes before visual signs of spoilage occur. This early detection enables growers to extend storage seasons, optimize timing, and protect crop value.
To date, the platform has analyzed over 1.5 million storage data sets and is actively monitoring more than 150 million pounds of potatoes across North America.
Yasmine Al-Hussein, Investment Associate at Accelerate Fund, commented: “Post-harvest technology has been underserved, creating a significant market opportunity. This is a complex problem with an innovative solution, and we’re seeing strong traction with both growers and processors adopting Cellar Insights’ technology.”
Cellar Insights Growth and Expansion Plans
The new funding will be used to advance AI model development, strengthen predictive features, and support expansion into Canadian and U.S. markets. A new team presence in Manitoba is planned, with backing from Manitoba First Fund.
Chris Edwards, Managing Partner at Tall Grass Ventures, noted: “Ross’s farming expertise paired with Terry’s scaling experience makes this a team uniquely positioned to transform potato storage. We’re excited to support their growth across key potato regions.”
