CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – A company specializing in meat snacks is betting that biltong will be the next big thing. Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Kalahari Biltong recently announced the company has closed on a round of equity financing that will enable Kalahari Biltong to launch its brand of meat snack across the United States.

The company produces beef biltong, which originated from the South African tradition of air drying meat. Biltong differs from jerky in several ways, according to the company, including its manufacturing process. Biltong is air-dried for up to 21 days, resulting in thin, tender slices of lean beef. The seed round of funding, led by AccelFoods, a New York-based venture fund, will be used to launch the brand at retail, expand manufacturing, rollout a marketing program and produce new flavors.

Kalahari Biltong was co-founded by Tyler Noyes, CEO, Brett Johnston and Robin Ginsburg. Noyes discovered biltong while in South Africa for an Ironman and Ultra Marathon.

“Our category is experiencing tremendous growth with no sign of slowing down, yet no one is truly innovating,” the company said in a statement. “We are proud to bring the only authentic, US-produced Biltong to consumers and usher in a new standard of quality in the space. Our partnership with AccelFoods allows us to join forces with a team that has the expertise and resources to help us scale nationally and quickly.”

AccelFoods focuses on investing in innovative packaged food and beverage brands.

“Kalahari represents true innovation that will change the meat snacks category with its exceptional taste and nutritional profile,” said Frank Zampardi, who joined AccelFoods as a partner this year after previously serving as head of sales for Krave Jerky.