GrazeMate, a startup developing autonomous livestock management technology, announced that it has raised $1.2 million in a funding round led by Y Combinator. Additional investors in the round include Antler, NextGen Ventures, and Meat & Livestock Australia.

The funding will support the continued development and deployment of GrazeMate’s drone-based system, which is designed to automate cattle movement between paddocks. GrazeMate is part of Y Combinator’s Winter 2026 cohort.

Automating Cattle Mustering With Drones

GrazeMate builds what it refers to as “robot cowboys”—autonomous drones that assist farmers and ranchers in moving cattle across grazing systems. According to the company, large-scale ranching operations currently spend significant time and resources mustering livestock using helicopters, horses, and motorbikes.

By enabling cattle movement through a mobile application, GrazeMate aims to reduce labor requirements, improve operational efficiency, and lower costs associated with traditional mustering practices. The company stated that its technology allows farmers to perform the same tasks remotely, with fewer inputs and less physical strain.

Founder and Company Perspectives

Sam Rogers, founder of GrazeMate, said the funding marks an important milestone for the company as it moves into its next phase of growth. He noted the role of early customers and the internal team in validating the technology in real-world farming environments.

In a separate company statement, GrazeMate emphasized its focus on supporting livestock producers by modernizing routine farm operations. The company expressed appreciation for the farmers who have participated in early field trials and for investors supporting its mission.

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