A Nigerian defense startup founded by two twenty-something engineers has emerged from stealth with an $11.75 million seed round to build autonomous systems protecting critical infrastructure across Africa.
At a Glance
- Nigerian defense startup secures $11.75 million seed round led by 8VC
- Company already generates $2.5 million in commercial revenue protecting $11 billion in assets
- 40% of engineers previously served in Nigerian military
- Why it matters: Africa faces more terror-related deaths than any region globally, threatening economic growth
Nathan Nwachuku, 22, spent five years building an edtech company before realizing Africa stood at a crossroads. The continent undergoes rapid industrialization with money, opportunity, and a driven young population. He believed Africa approached the “edge of an industrial revolution.”
But Nwachuku saw a critical obstacle. “Terrorism and insecurity” remained Africa’s biggest Achilles heel. Africa suffers more terror-related deaths than any region worldwide, threatening to slow or stop economic growth.
He partnered with friend Maxwell Maduka, 24, to launch Terra Industries. The defense company designs infrastructure and autonomous systems helping governments and organizations monitor and respond to threats.
The company announced Monday it emerged from stealth with $11.75 million led by Joe Lonsdale’s 8VC. Other investors include Valor Equity Partners, Lux Capital, SV Angel, and Nova Global. The company previously raised an $800,000 pre-seed round.
“The goal is to build Africa’s first defense prime, to build autonomous defense systems and other systems to protect our critical infrastructure and resources from armed attacks,” said Nwachuku, who serves as CEO. Maduka acts as CTO.
Military-Grade Team
The team brings substantial military experience. 40% of engineers held the same roles in the Nigerian military. 8VC’s Alex Moore, specializing in defense investing, sits on the board. Nigeria’s Vice Air Marshal Ayo Jolasinmi serves as advisor.
Maduka served as an engineer in the Nigerian Navy and founded a drone company at 19. This military expertise shapes Terra’s approach to protecting critical infrastructure.
Multi-Domain Defense Systems
Based in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, Terra takes a multi-domain approach to product development. The company considers protection from ground, water, and air threats.
Air systems include:
- Long-range drones
- Short-range drones
Ground systems include:
- Surveillance towers
- Ground drones
The company develops maritime technology to protect offshore rigs and underwater pipelines.
Proprietary Software Powers Operations
Terra powers its technology with proprietary software ArtemisOS. The system collects, analyzes, and synthesizes data in real time. When threats appear, the software alerts response forces like security agencies to intercept them.
“We want to geofence all of Africa’s critical infrastructure and resources,” Nwachuku said. He noted the problem isn’t lack of firepower, as many African armies already possess weapons.
Instead, Africa lacks sovereign intelligence. Most intelligence depends on Western powers, China, and Russia.
“We want to take the defense of our continent’s resources and infrastructure into Africa’s own hands,” Nwachuku continued. “We are the first truly Pan-African defense company.”
Revenue Model and Growth
Terra recently won its first federal contract but cannot provide details. The company generates revenue when governments and commercial customers order Terra systems, then pay annual fees for data processing and storage.
The company has generated more than $2.5 million in commercial revenue while protecting assets valued around $11 billion. Commercial revenue comes from protecting private infrastructure like gold mines and power plants.
Terra protects at least two hydro power plants and several smaller mines. Most clients come from Nigeria.
Expansion Plans
The fresh capital will help Terra expand and build more defense factories across Africa. The company also wants to expand software capabilities and grow its AI team.
Terra will open software offices in San Francisco and London. However, manufacturing remains in Africa. More factories will open across the continent to boost job creation.
“It’s clear Africa today is undergoing what I see as an epic struggle for its very survival,” Nwachuku said. “The only way for us to truly break ourselves from the shackles that have held us back for the last decade or two is ensuring the core resources, the core infrastructures of the continent, are entirely protected.”
The investment signals growing investor confidence in African defense technology as the continent addresses security challenges threatening economic development.
