NZ Agri-Tech Startup Halter Hits Unicorn Status, Eyes Global Expansion


  Added 2 months ago

NZ Agri-Tech Startup Halter Hits Unicorn Status, Eyes Global Expansion

New Zealand agri-tech startup Halter has reached unicorn status, now valued at US$1 billion (NZ$1.65 billion) following a successful NZ$165 million fundraising round. The company’s smart cow collar system—featuring virtual fencing, animal health monitoring, and productivity tools—is revolutionising farming by allowing farmers to manage livestock via sound and vibration cues through a mobile app.

Founder Craig Piggott says Halter enables more precise farming, improving land use and animal welfare. Farmer Markus Woutrsen credits it with freeing up time for higher-value tasks, while new funding will support expansion into the US beef market.

Experts say Halter’s success is rare in agriculture. AgResearch’s Axel Heiser notes unicorn status is almost unheard of in the sector, and economist Kelly Eckhold sees it as a sign of strong potential for New Zealand to increase its share of the fast-growing US$10–15 billion global smart farming market.

Watch the video on 1 News for the full story.


Join the conversation

Be the first to leave a comment.

Leave a comment

All comments are reviewed before they are published on the website. Your email address will not be published.

Fill out my online form.
Tinder for Cows: NZ Farmer’s AI Breeding App Revolutionises Dairy Farming
Tinder for Cows: NZ Farmer’s AI Breeding App Revolutionises Dairy Farming
Added 3 days ago
Farmers and Catchment Groups Driving the Next Wave of Freshwater Restoration
Farmers and Catchment Groups Driving the Next Wave of Freshwater Restoration
Added 7 days ago
Lowering Costs and Enriching the Soil – One Farmer’s Regenerative Journey
Lowering Costs and Enriching the Soil – One Farmer’s Regenerative Journey
Added 2 weeks ago
On The Up - Laser Bird Deterrent Saves Hawke’s Bay Kiwifruit Orchard from Gull Invasion
On The Up - Laser Bird Deterrent Saves Hawke’s Bay Kiwifruit Orchard from Gull Invasion
Added 2 weeks ago
‘Farmluencer’ Builds Online Hub for Women in Agriculture
‘Farmluencer’ Builds Online Hub for Women in Agriculture
Added 2 weeks ago
Kiwi Innovation Turns Food Waste into High-Value Ingredients
Kiwi Innovation Turns Food Waste into High-Value Ingredients
Added 3 weeks ago