New Zealand agtech startup Halter has secured $100 million in a Series D funding round, valuing the company at $1 billion. This makes Halter one of the few unicorns in New Zealand as it pushes further into the U.S. market with its cattle management technology.
The investment was led by tech firm Bond, with participation from venture capital group NewView and existing investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners, DCVC, Blackbird, Icehouse Ventures, and Promus Ventures.
Halter’s system uses smart collars, connectivity towers, and a mobile app to help dairy farmers remotely manage their herds. The technology allows ranchers to guide cattle using sound and vibration cues, improving grazing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
The company plans to use the new funds to grow its U.S. operations, where it already works with around 150 ranchers across 18 states.
"Many U.S. farmers are over 55, and rural labor shortages are a major challenge," said Halter CEO Craig Piggott. "Our technology helps smaller teams manage herds more efficiently without needing constant physical oversight."
The U.S. agriculture industry has struggled with labor shortages, partly due to stricter immigration policies in recent years. Halter’s automation tools aim to ease these pressures by reducing reliance on manual labor.
The dairy sector has become a key area for agtech investment as farmers increasingly turn to automation to boost productivity. Halter’s latest funding highlights the growing demand for smart farming solutions.
Source: Reuters
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