ReelData AI

About ReelData AI

ReelData AI, founded in 2018 by Dalhousie University computer science graduates Mathew Zimola and Hossein Salimian, operates in the land-based aquaculture technology sector. Zimola, the current CEO, transitioned from a career in chemical engineering and the oil and gas industry to pursue computer science, driven by a passion to create a positive impact. This led him and Salimian to address the technological needs of the aquaculture industry in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The company develops artificial intelligence and computer vision solutions to optimize operations for land-based fish farmers. Its business model is centered on providing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products that enhance profitability and sustainability for smolt, post-smolt, and on-growing aquaculture facilities. Clients, which include some of the world's largest land-based fish farms in countries like the United States, Norway, and Denmark, pay for access to these technologies. The company's "farmer-first" approach involves collaborating directly with farm operators to understand their challenges before developing solutions.

ReelData's product suite aims to create a precise and autonomous operating system for fish farming. Key products include "ReelAppetite," which analyzes fish appetite in real-time to automate and adjust feeding, thereby maximizing growth and minimizing waste. This system alone can save farms up to $2-3 million per 10,000 metric tons of annual production. Another product, "ReelBiomass," uses a camera system to estimate the weight, size, and distribution of fish populations without intrusive handling. More recent additions include "ReelWeight," a smart camera for weight estimation, and "ReelVision," a robust camera built specifically for AI applications, capable of detecting objects as small as 2mm feed pellets. The company plans to integrate these offerings and develop further capabilities, such as monitoring fish stress and health.

The company's journey includes participation in the Techstars Montréal AI accelerator in 2021 and securing significant funding. After an initial $2.5 million seed investment in 2021, ReelData closed an $8 million Series A round in late 2022, led by Buoyant Ventures, S2G Ventures, and The Nest Family Office. This funding is intended to scale operations and further develop its autonomous operating system.