Nigerian-Founded Terra Raises $11.75M to Build Africa’s Own Defence Technology

Africa is building its own security future.

Terra Industries, a defence technology startup focused on protecting critical infrastructure across Africa, has raised $11.75 million in seed funding — one of the largest seed rounds ever secured by an African startup.

The funding officially brings the company out of stealth mode and signals growing global confidence in homegrown African defence technology.

Built in Abuja, Designed for Africa

Terra Industries was co-founded by Nigerian engineers Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell Maduka and is headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria.

The company develops:

• Drones

• Ground surveillance systems

• Monitoring towers

• Real-time security software

All designed to protect high-risk assets such as power plants, mines, pipelines, and national infrastructure.

Why Terra Matters Right Now

Security remains one of the biggest barriers to economic growth across Africa. Attacks on infrastructure disrupt power supply, scare away investors, and increase costs for governments and businesses.

Rather than relying on foreign intelligence systems, Terra is building locally designed and manufactured tools — made for African realities, terrain, and operational needs.

The company says it already helps protect over $11 billion worth of infrastructure across the continent.

A Major Vote of Confidence from Global Investors

The funding round was led by 8VC, a U.S. venture firm founded by Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of Palantir.

Other participating investors include:

• Valor Equity Partners

• Lux Capital

• SV Angel

In a major signal of industry backing, Alex Moore, a board director at Palantir, has joined Terra’s board.

Inside Terra’s Drone Factory

Hardware is at the heart of Terra’s strategy.

The startup operates a 15,000-square-foot drone manufacturing facility in Abuja, which it describes as the largest of its kind in Africa.

From this factory, Terra builds:

• Long-range drones

• Short-range drones

• Ground surveillance systems

• Monitoring towers

The company aims to monitor infrastructure from air, land, and eventually water.

The Software Powering It All

Terra’s systems are connected through ArtemisOS, its proprietary software platform.

The platform:

• Collects real-time data

• Uses AI to analyze threats

• Sends instant alerts to response teams

This allows governments and private companies to respond faster and reduce damage when threats occur.

Real Revenue, Real Contracts

Terra has already secured its first federal government contract (details undisclosed) and generates revenue from private sector clients.

So far, the company has recorded:

• Over $2.5 million in commercial revenue

• Clients across public and private sectors

Its business model includes both equipment sales and ongoing data services.

What’s Next for Terra Industries

With the new funding, Terra plans to:

• Expand manufacturing capacity in Africa

• Grow its AI and software engineering teams

• Open software offices in San Francisco and London

Importantly, all manufacturing will remain in Africa.

A Shift Toward African Self-Reliance

As African governments invest in protecting energy, mining, and transportation systems, Terra’s rise reflects a broader shift:

• Defence technology designed in Africa

• Built in Africa

• Operated by Africans

It’s not just about security — it’s about sovereignty, resilience, and long-term economic stability.

9jaFinds Take

At 9jaFinds, this story represents the future of Nigerian and African innovation — where engineering talent meets global capital without losing local control.

Terra Industries isn’t just building drones.
It’s building confidence in African capability.

Company: Terra Industries
Founded by: Nathan Nwachuku & Maxwell Maduka
Headquarters: Abuja, Nigeria
Funding: $11.75M Seed Round
Lead Investor: 8VC