Calgary-based AgTech start-up Cellar Insights has raised an oversubscribed seed round to accelerate the roll-out of its predictive storage monitoring technology for potatoes across North America.

The round was co-led by Tall Grass Ventures and Accelerate Fund IV, with additional participation from Carrot Ventures, the University of Alberta Innovation Fund, UCeed, and other strategic investors. The financing will be used to advance artificial intelligence model development, strengthen predictive capabilities, and support expansion in Canada and the United States, including a new Manitoba office backed by Manitoba First Fund.

Founded in 2023 by sixth-generation New Brunswick potato grower Ross Culberson, Cellar Insights deploys specialized sensors combined with AI models to identify trace gases emitted by decomposing potatoes before visual signs of spoilage appear. The company says its system allows growers to extend storage seasons, improve movement planning, and safeguard crop value.

The platform has already processed more than 1.5 million storage data sets and is monitoring over 150 million pounds of potatoes across North America.

“This investment validates our vision and technology,” said Terry Sydoryk, chief executive of Cellar Insights. “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.”

Yasmine Al-Hussein, investment associate at Accelerate Fund, said: “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.”

Chris Edwards, managing partner at Tall Grass Ventures, added: “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.”

The global potato processing sector was valued at $38bn in 2023, but as much as a quarter of crops are lost post-harvest. Cellar Insights says its early detection technology offers growers and processors a means to reduce waste, protect supply chains and improve returns.