Terra Industries, a defense technology company developing autonomous security systems for Africa, has officially emerged from stealth with the announcement of an 11.75 million funding round. The round was led by U.S. venture firm 8VC, founded by Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, and included participation from Valor Equity Partners, Lux Capital, SV Angel, Leblon Capital, Silent Ventures, Nova Global, and angel investors such as Micky Malka. Alex Moore, Defense Partner at 8VC and Board Director at Palantir, joined Terra Industries' board last year.
Founded in 2024 by 22-year-old Nathan Nwachuku and 24-year-old Maxwell Maduka, Terra Industries designs and manufactures autonomous defense systems that enable governments and infrastructure operators to monitor, secure, and respond to threats across land, air, and maritime environments. Its technology is already deployed to protect power plants, mines, and other critical assets across multiple African countries.
Africa is experiencing a rapid phase of industrialization, fueled by a young population, rich critical mineral reserves, and annual infrastructure investment approaching 100 billion. Yet, much of this development occurs in remote or unstable regions where security has not kept pace. Corruption, organized crime, terrorism, and illegal resource extraction threaten infrastructure, disrupt supply chains, and undermine investor confidence, particularly across Sub-Saharan Africa and the Sahel. Terra Industries' mission is to close this gap by delivering advanced, Africa-tailored security solutions.
