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Terra Industries, a defense technology startup founded by two young Nigerians, has raised $11.75 million to expand its autonomous security systems across Africa.

The company, founded by 22-year-old Nathan Nwachuku and 24-year-old Maxwell Maduka, disclosed the funding on Monday as it officially emerged from stealth mode.

The investment was led by U.S.-based venture capital firm 8VC, founded by Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale. Other participants included Valor Equity Partners, Lux Capital, SV Angel, Leblon Capital, Silent Ventures, Nova Global, and angel investor Micky Malka.

As part of earlier engagements, Alex Moore, a defense partner at 8VC and board director at Palantir, joined Terra Industries’ board last year.

Founded in 2024, Terra Industries designs and manufactures autonomous defense systems that help governments and infrastructure operators monitor and protect assets across land, air, and maritime environments.

The company argues that Africa’s rapid industrial expansion has outpaced its security capacity, especially in remote regions vulnerable to terrorism, organized crime, and illegal resource extraction.

Africa attracts nearly $100 billion in infrastructure investment each year and holds about 30% of the world’s critical mineral reserves. Yet much of this infrastructure sits in high-risk locations, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Sahel.

Terra’s co-founder and CEO, Nathan Nwachuku, says the continent’s progress is at risk if insecurity remains unchecked.

Terra Industries says it is building what it describes as Africa’s first defense technology prime a fully integrated platform of autonomous systems designed specifically for the continent’s terrain and operating conditions.

The new funding will go toward expanding manufacturing, hiring more engineering and software talent, and rolling out additional deployments across allied African countries.

The startup’s product line includes long- and mid-range drones, autonomous sentry towers, unmanned ground vehicles, and maritime surveillance systems. All are powered by ArtemisOS, Terra’s proprietary software platform.

ArtemisOS enables real-time threat detection, autonomous mission planning, and coordinated security responses over large, difficult-to-police areas.

Terra disclosed that it already protects infrastructure assets valued at about $11 billion, with tens of millions of dollars in signed contracts across public and private sector clients.

Current deployments include the Geometric Power Plant in Aba, two hydropower plants in northern Nigeria, and gold and lithium mining sites in Nigeria and Ghana.

While the company initially focused on securing critical infrastructure, Terra says it is now moving into border security and counterterrorism, as regional instability continues to rise.

In a separate update, the startup confirmed it recently secured a $1.2 million, five-year contract to protect two hydroelectric power plants in Nigeria its largest deal so far and first entry into the hydroelectric sector.

Security remains a major obstacle to economic growth across Africa, especially in Nigeria, where kidnappings and terrorist attacks have surged in recent years.

The Federal Government recently increased police recruitment from 30,000 to 50,000 officers, citing worsening security conditions. 

Technology-driven solutions from startups like Terra Industries could play a growing role in closing the country’s security gaps.