In a remarkable achievement for the agricultural technology sector, New Zealand-based startup Halter has raised $100 million in a Series D funding round—pushing its valuation to a massive $1 billion. With this milestone, Halter joins the elite club of unicorn startups, becoming one of the few in New Zealand to reach such status.
What is Halter?
Halter is revolutionizing cattle farming through cutting-edge technology. The company’s flagship product includes smart collars, signal towers, and a user-friendly mobile app that together allow farmers to virtually fence, move, and monitor their herds using sound and vibration cues. This innovation not only boosts grazing efficiency but also reduces the environmental impact of traditional farming practices.
The funding round was led by Bond, a major technology investment firm, and included participation from NewView Capital, alongside existing investors like Bessemer Venture Partners, DCVC, Blackbird, Icehouse Ventures, and Promus Ventures.
Why Now?
While agtech startups have struggled in the current funding climate, the dairy sector has shown resilience, largely due to the growing need for automation. Labor shortages and aging farm populations in regions like the U.S. have pushed demand for technology that makes livestock management less labor-intensive.
Halter’s CEO and founder, Craig Piggott, noted a critical issue affecting American agriculture:
“Over half of U.S. ranchers and farmers are over 55, and rural labor shortages are severe. Halter enables smaller teams to manage herds more efficiently, without constant physical presence.”
Halter is already working with over 150 ranchers across 18 U.S. states, and this new funding will help accelerate its expansion efforts in the country. The startup’s solution comes at a crucial time as the U.S. farming industry grapples with workforce shortages, partly due to mass deportations that have thinned a labor force traditionally reliant on immigrant workers.
With Halter’s innovative platform, the future of cattle farming looks more sustainable, tech-driven, and labor-efficient.
