African defense technology startup Terra Industries has secured an additional $22 million in funding just one month after announcing an $11.75 million round led by 8VC.
The new round, led by Lux Capital, brings the company’s total funding to $34 million as it accelerates expansion across high-risk security regions.
Founded in 2024 by Nathan Nwachuku (22) and Maxwell Maduka (24), Terra Industries is building autonomous defense systems and surveillance infrastructure designed to help African nations monitor and respond to security threats with locally developed technology.
Building Africa’s Defense Infrastructure
Terrorism and infrastructure attacks remain significant challenges across parts of Africa, particularly in sub-Saharan and Sahel regions. Much of the intelligence and defense systems currently used across the continent rely on foreign providers from Russia, China, or Western nations.
Terra Industries aims to develop autonomous systems that enable African governments to monitor, secure, and protect critical infrastructure independently. CEO Nathan Nwachuku has previously stated the company’s ambition to build “Africa’s first defense prime,” focused on autonomous defense systems and infrastructure protection.
Earlier this year, the company secured its first federal contract. Terra now serves both government and commercial clients and has reportedly generated more than $2.5 million in commercial revenue while protecting infrastructure assets valued at approximately $11 billion.
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Rapid Investor Momentum
The $22 million extension round was led by Lux Capital, with participation from 8VC, Nova Global, and Resiliience17 Capital, founded by Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola.
According to Nwachuku, the round closed in under two weeks due to faster-than-expected traction across contracts and partnerships. Investors moved quickly to increase their commitments as Terra expanded its deal pipeline and regional footprint.
With total funding now at $34 million, Terra joins a growing cohort of defense technology startups attracting significant venture capital as global security priorities shift toward autonomous systems and AI-powered infrastructure.
International Expansion and Manufacturing
Since its January raise, Terra has expanded beyond Nigeria into additional African markets, with further government and commercial contracts secured.
The company has also partnered with AIC Steel to establish a joint manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia focused on building surveillance infrastructure and security systems. This marks Terra’s first major manufacturing expansion outside Africa.
The company’s expansion strategy prioritizes countries where infrastructure security and counterterrorism are urgent national concerns. Many of these regions have experienced significant economic losses and human casualties over the past decades, increasing demand for advanced, locally deployable defense systems.
About Terra Industries
Founded in 2024, Terra Industries is an African defense technology company developing autonomous surveillance and security systems to protect critical infrastructure. Headquartered in Nigeria, the company focuses on AI-powered monitoring and defense solutions designed to strengthen national security capabilities across Africa and international markets.
