The seed investment, one of the largest of its kind for an African tech company, will support the expansion of the firm’s autonomous systems designed to protect critical infrastructure across the continent. 

Founded in Abuja by Nigerian engineers Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell Maduka, Terra Industries develops drones, surveillance platforms and software aimed at safeguarding strategic assets including mines, refineries, power facilities and other high-value sites.

The company, which operates the largest drone manufacturing facility in Africa, has built both hardware and its own operating software, known as ArtemisOS, to monitor and respond to threats in real time. 

The latest financing round attracted participation from several prominent investors, including Valor Equity Partners, Lux Capital, SV Angel, Silent Ventures, Nova Global and Leblon Capital, alongside contributions from notable angel investors such as Micky Malka.

This backing follows rising global attention on Terra after its technology and market traction drew increasing interest.  

Terra’s systems are already in commercial use, monitoring critical installations, and the company has begun capturing revenue across both government and private sectors. In 2025, for example, it won a $1.2 million contract to secure two hydropower plants, deploying drones and surveillance towers in place of competing foreign firms.  

In a statement, Terra’s CEO Nathan Nwachuku said the business was established to give Africa “the technological edge” in defending its own infrastructure and resources.

He noted that Terra is now positioned as Africa’s first defence prime, with both commercial deals and government contracts in hand.

The fresh funding will enable increased production of autonomous defence systems and further development of their surveillance software as the company scales operations across the continent. 

The development of indigenous defence technology comes at a time when African governments and industries are placing greater emphasis on securing power grids, mining sites and transport networks against insurgent attacks, vandalism and other threats that can impede economic growth.