TechCrunch Startup News These Gen Zers just raised $11.75M to put Africa’s defense back in the hands of Africans
Jan 13, 2026
Dive into the fascinating journey of Nathan Nwachuku as he transitions from edtech to defense, founding Terra Industries to address African insecurity. The company recently secured $11.75 million in funding, showcasing its innovative plans for multi-domain defense products like drones and surveillance technology. With a focus on localizing defense capabilities, Terra aims to empower Africa through sovereign intelligence. Plus, discover the ambitious growth strategy that includes manufacturing jobs on the continent while also building software offices abroad.
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Africa At An Industrial Crossroads
- Nathan Nwachuku sees Africa at the edge of an industrial revolution driven by youth, money, and opportunity.
- He warns terrorism and insecurity could halt that growth if not addressed promptly.
Founding Terra Industries
- Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell founded Terra Industries to help governments monitor and respond to threats.
- Terra emerged from stealth with an $11.75 million round led by 8VC after earlier raising $800,000.
Military Experience Shapes Team
- Terra's team includes many ex-military engineers and advisors with defense expertise.
- That mix gives the company practical operational credibility in African defense contexts.