NEW YORK — Seal the Seasons has raised $2.5 million in a bridge to Series B convertible debt round led by FoodFutureCo (FFC).

The investment marks FFC’s second leading investment this year, as the scale-up accelerator also invested in Harvest Returns’ first outside seed round in early 2022.

“Investments like these enable our partnerships to strengthen and grow over time,” said Shen Tong, managing partner and founder of FFC. “They are a win for the future of food, the community, the companies and our investors. We’re proud to help fund the next generation of food entrepreneurs and world-class problem solvers to create a better food system together.”

FFC’s accelerator has graduated over 30 companies since its inception in 2016, including both Seal the Seasons and Harvest Returns. The program provides a customized consultative approach, in addition to mentorships, advisers and a curated content series.

A service provider that works with farmers to freeze locally grown produce for sale in local stores, Seal the Seasons will use its investment in marketing and developing a line of local-frozen smoothies.

Harvest Returns, an organization that connects farmers with investors interested in sustainable agriculture, will use its investment to expand its staffing, marketing and operations.

“Our relationship with FoodFutureCo dates back to 2019 when we were still an early stage company and a participant in their scale-up accelerator program,” said Chris Rawley, chief executive officer of Harvest Returns. “That program planted the seeds of a relationship that has continued to grow and brought Harvest Returns investments, ongoing mentorship, and even deal flow for our platform. Their recent investment in our seed round further strengthens that partnership and sets the stage for our continued growth and innovations in agricultural finance and investment.”