Auckland-based agricultural technology startup Halter has successfully closed a Series D funding round, raising NZ$165 million (US$97.9 million) and pushing its valuation to NZ$1.65 billion (US$1 billion). The round was led by BOND, a tech-focused investment firm, with participation from NewView Capital and continued support from local investors like Blackbird and Icehouse Ventures. Additional backers included Bessemer Venture Partners, DCVC, and Promus Ventures.
Founded in 2016, Halter has revolutionised livestock farming through its virtual fencing and animal management technology. The company’s CEO and founder, Craig Piggott, acknowledged the critical role early adopters played in the company’s journey, stating, “We wouldn’t be here without our early farmers… this capital will help unlock productivity gains for even more farmers.”
Smart Farming Through Innovation
Halter’s core innovation lies in its solar-powered smart collars for cattle, supported by connectivity towers and a user-friendly mobile app. These collars use sound and vibration cues to direct cattle, enabling farmers to virtually fence, monitor, and move livestock remotely. This system not only streamlines herd management but also improves pasture efficiency and animal welfare.
Currently, the company serves thousands of farmers across New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, with its adoption steadily rising. With over 200 employees across its operational regions, Halter is steadily expanding its footprint in the global agtech sector.
Farmers using Halter’s system report increased grass growth and harvesting, reduced labour demands, larger herd capacities, and enhanced environmental outcomes. The technology helps address critical challenges faced by the farming community, such as labour shortages and the need for sustainable, data-driven agriculture.
Global Impact and Future Outlook
According to Dae-gwon Chae, General Partner at BOND, Halter is positioned to transform the global cattle industry, which generates over $1 trillion annually. He emphasised that farmers, despite feeding billions, remain constrained by traditional challenges like manual labour and limited automation.
“Halter’s vision is ambitious and impactful,” said Chae. “They are building the digital operating system for farms and ranches around the world, using the best in physically-enabled technology.”
With its newly acquired funding and rising market presence, Halter aims to accelerate its mission of digitising and automating livestock management. The company is expected to expand its reach, empower more farmers, and enhance the sustainability and profitability of agriculture worldwide. The announcement was first published by Verdict, a brand owned by GlobalData.
