Calgary, AB – September 8, 2025 – Cellar Insights, a Calgary-based AgTech company helping potato growers prevent storage losses, today 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 strategic investors.
Cellar Insights combines specialized sensors with AI models to detect trace gases emitted by decomposing potatoes—well before visible signs of spoilage. This early-warning system enables growers to extend storage seasons, optimize movement timing, and preserve millions in crop value. The platform has already analyzed over 1.5 million storage data sets and is monitoring more than 150 million pounds of potatoes across North America.
“This investment validates our vision and technology,” said Terry Sydoryk, CEO 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.”
The new funding will accelerate AI model development, enhance predictive capabilities, and support expansion into Canada and the U.S., including a new team presence in Manitoba backed by Manitoba First Fund.
"Post-harvest technology has been underserved, creating a significant market opportunity," said Yasmine Al-Hussein, Investment Associate, Accelerate Fund. "This is a complex problem with an innovative solution, and we're seeing strong traction with both growers and processors adopting Cellar Insights' technology."
“Ross’s farming expertise paired with Terry’s scaling experience makes this a team uniquely positioned to transform potato storage,” said Chris Edwards, Managing Partner at Tall Grass Ventures. “We’re excited to support their growth across key potato regions.”
The global potato processing market reached $38 billion in 2023, yet up to 25% of crops are lost post-harvest. By detecting rot before it starts, Cellar Insights provides growers and processors with a proven way to cut waste, protect supply, and improve ROI.
About Cellar Insights
Founded in 2023 by sixth-generation New Brunswick potato grower Ross Culberson, Cellar Insights is an AI-powered AgTech company focused on eliminating post-harvest storage losses. Its platform delivers early risk detection, crop protection, and supply chain visibility across North America.
About Tall Grass Ventures
Tall Grass Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm investing into the future of agriculture and food. Leveraging deep industry knowledge, connectivity, experience and passion for agriculture, TGV supports transformational entrepreneurs who are changing our world's relationship with its food, fuels and fibers.
About Accelerate Fund IV
Accelerate Fund IV is a co-investment fund that invests in Alberta-based pre-series A companies that are focused on life sciences, digital transformation and artificial intelligence and other emerging opportunities. We co-invest in financing rounds alongside angel investors, family funds and foundations and will typically invest up to $500,000 on the same terms and conditions as private investors. Alberta Enterprise Corporation is Accelerate Fund IV's lead limited partner. If you are a private Alberta company with proprietary technology, some customer traction and revenue, and have more than half of your employees based here, consider us as a potential investor.
Media Inquiries:
Cellar Insights
Claudia Moore
claudia @ materialinsight.com
403.703.0029
