Terra Industries Closes $52M Seed Round to Expand Defence Manufacturing

Terra Industries has raised another $18 million, bringing its seed financing to $52 million as the Nigerian defence technology startup expands manufacturing and pushes beyond Africa into other markets across the Global South.

The latest investment includes backing from existing investors 8VC, Silent Ventures, Nova Global, Belief Capital, and SV Angel, as well as new investor Norleo Space Investments. Terra did not disclose a new valuation.

The funding follows two earlier raises this year. Terra secured $11.75 million at the start of 2026 and added a $22 million extension led by Lux Capital in February, bringing the round to $34 million before the latest financing.

Terra Industries expands defence manufacturing

Founded in 2024 by Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell Maduka, Terra develops autonomous defence and security systems for governments, militaries and operators of critical infrastructure. Its products include drones, interceptor systems, sentry towers and uncrewed ground vehicles designed for surveillance and infrastructure protection.

The company says its technology is already being used to protect about $11 billion in critical assets, including oil, mining, and power infrastructure across Africa. Terra also says it expects to reach more than $100 million in contract bookings by the end of 2026 and generate tens of millions of dollars in revenue.

Part of the new capital will support Terra’s manufacturing expansion, including its Pax-2 facility in Accra, Ghana. The 34,000-square-foot site is intended to complement the company’s existing manufacturing operations in Abuja and increase production of drones and counter-drone systems.

Expansion targets the Global South

Terra says its ambitions now extend beyond its original focus on Africa. The startup plans to increase deployments across the Global South, expand its engineering, operations and business development teams, and open its first international office in London.

The company is also considering an office in San Francisco and a presence in Washington, D.C., which would give it closer access to U.S. investors, government relationships and potential partnerships.

Terra is positioning itself as a locally based alternative in regions where governments often depend on foreign suppliers for defence equipment and security technology. The company sees suppliers from Turkey, China and Western countries as competitors for government and infrastructure contracts.

The $52 million seed round gives Terra substantially more capital to pursue that strategy, with manufacturing capacity, international expansion and deployment of its autonomous systems forming the main priorities for the latest funding.