Terra Industries, a Nigerian-founded autonomous defence systems company has raised an additional $18 million, taking its total seed funding to approximately $52 million as it scales its technology and expands into international markets.
The latest investment includes backing from existing investors 8VC, Silent Ventures, Nova Global, Belief Capital and SV Angel, alongside new investor Norleo Space Investments and angel investor Grant Gordon.
The funding marks a significant milestone for a Nigerian-founded technology company operating at the intersection of autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and defence technology.
Established by entrepreneurs Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell Maduka in 2024, Terra is developing drones, autonomous ground systems, surveillance technologies and AI-enabled security solutions for governments, critical infrastructure operators and other high-value assets.
The company plans to deploy the new capital to expand manufacturing capacity at its 34,000-square-foot Pax-2 facility in Ghana, which Terra says will be Africa’s largest drone factory once fully operational. It is also opening its first international office in London as it expands its engineering, operations and business development teams and accelerates deployments across the Global South.
Terra’s technology portfolio includes Archer, a vertical-take-off-and-landing drone; Iroko, a compact surveillance drone; Kama, an interceptor drone; Kallon, a solar-powered, AI-enabled surveillance tower; and other autonomous systems connected through ArtemisOS, software designed to coordinate its portfolio of autonomous systems.
Terra says its technologies currently protect assets worth approximately $11 billion, particularly across the energy and mining sectors. Its growing commercial traction has also positioned the company for further expansion, with Terra targeting $100 million in contract bookings by the end of 2026. The company has already generated commercial revenue and secured multi-million-dollar contracts with African governments and critical infrastructure operators, including power plants and mines.
For Nigeria, Terra’s growth illustrates the potential for Nigerian entrepreneurs to build sophisticated technology companies capable of attracting substantial international capital while developing products for markets beyond Africa.
The company’s founders are also pursuing an approach that combines global ambitions with an African manufacturing base. By expanding production in Ghana while establishing a presence in London and maintaining its manufacturing base in Nigeria, Terra is positioning itself to serve both African and global markets.
A key part of the company’s proposition is reducing Africa’s dependence on foreign defence and security technologies. Terra argues that locally developed autonomous systems can give governments greater control over sensitive security data while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
The company has already begun building its presence in Nigeria. Terra has secured at least one federal contract in the country, while it has also expanded its partnerships and commercial presence across Africa.
With its latest funding, expanding manufacturing capacity and new international presence in London, Terra Industries is seeking to evolve from a Nigerian-founded technology company into a global autonomous systems business.
Its trajectory reflects a broader opportunity for African technology entrepreneurs to develop advanced technologies locally while attracting international investment and competing in global markets.
