Terra Industries raises $11.75 million led by 8VC for Africa infrastructure defence

Terra Industries, the defence startup formerly known as Terrahaptix, has raised $11.75 million, Techpoint Africa reported on 12 January. 8VC led the round, with Valor Equity Partners, Lux Capital, SV Angel, Leblon Capital, Silent Ventures, Nova Global and angel investors including Alex Moore, who sits on Palantir's board. Techpoint Africa says only US-based investors took part. 8VC was founded by Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale.

What the company does

Terra is a defence company focused on protecting critical infrastructure, including from terrorist attacks. Its flagship product is the Archer Drone, and its product line goes beyond drones. The company briefly stepped back from the defence market and is now fully re-entering it. Its commercial clients are mainly in mining and oil, and it plans to place more emphasis on government projects.

Traction

Terra has taken $2 million in total orders within about a year of launch. In 2025 it won a $1.2 million contract to protect hydropower dams, beating an Israeli firm. It currently secures infrastructure assets valued at about $11 billion across Africa. Its first raise, of $640,000, included African investors.

Plans

The new money will pay for more factories and additional engineering hires to raise production. Co-founder and CEO Nathan Nwachuku said: "We need to protect Africa's critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks."

At a glance

• Company: Terra Industries
• Raised: $11.75 million
• Lead: 8VC
• Other investors: Valor Equity Partners, Lux Capital, SV Angel, Leblon Capital, Silent Ventures, Nova Global
• Leadership: Nathan Nwachuku (CEO), Maxwell Maduka (CTO)
• Markets: Africa
• Key number: $2 million in orders in about a year