Halter is reportedly seeking funding at an estimated $2 billion valuation in ongoing talks reportedly led by Founders Fund.

The Auckland-based AI-powered cow collar startup aims to scale its virtual fencing technology, which could influence how livestock are managed. This potential doubling in valuation since a June funding round underlines investor interest despite recent sector challenges.

Halter’s collars create virtual fences that connect to farmers’ phones, reducing costs and labor compared to physical fencing. Pricing starts at $9.90 per cow per month, while a New Mexico State University analysis estimated virtual fencing costs at about $92.71 per cow annually compared to $188 for traditional fencing. An independent study showed a 33% milk production increase and 60% drop in lameness on farms using the system. Halter has opened a Colorado office to prioritize U.S. expansion; neither the company nor Founders Fund has commented on the funding talks.

Funding discussions remain fluid, with deal details subject to change.

While Montana is not mentioned in the article, ranchers and farmers in states with expansive landscapes and aging workforces might find virtual fencing appealing; the technology’s cost savings and labor efficiencies could resonate in regions where ranch management is both vital and demanding. Its adoption could influence regional livestock operations seeking precision and sustainability in grazing practices.

By Naomi Li Gan, Tech in Asia

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