Nigerian Co-Founded AI Startup Minicor Raises $3.8 Million

Minicor, an artificial intelligence startup co-founded by Nigerian software engineer Saheed Akinbile, has raised $3.8 million in seed funding to help businesses connect modern AI tools to older computer systems.

The San Francisco-based company was founded by Akinbile and Faizaan Chishtie. It is tackling a problem faced by organisations that still depend largely on legacy desktop software, particularly in healthcare, financial services and logistics. Many applications were built before modern software connections became common and do not have application programming interfaces (APIs). Connecting them to newer AI products can therefore be difficult and costly.

Replacing these systems can destabilize operations and require significant spending. Minicor’s platform aims to avoid that expense by turning desktop workflows into API endpoints, allowing AI applications to carry out tasks through software businesses already use. Its technology uses AI to create and repair workflows, while routine tasks are handled through structured automation.

The funding round was led by Brad Gillespie of IA Ventures. Other participants include Y Combinator, co-founder Paul Graham, Pioneer Fund, Robinhood Ventures, Garage Capital, Rebel Fund, K5 Global and 20VC, alongside individual investors. The capital will support Minicor’s work on making enterprise AI easier to deploy.

The raise is significant for Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, although Minicor is headquartered in the United States. It highlights Nigerian-founded talent building solutions for global markets and attracting international venture capital. It also comes as fundraising has been difficult for startups. Nairametrics reported that nine Nigerian startups raised $11.3 million in September 2026, down 96.9 per cent from $364.1 million in August.

AI investment is relevant because Nigerian businesses are exploring automation to improve productivity, reduce repetitive work and compete. Funding helps founders develop reliable products, hire skilled workers and turn research into useful services. It can also encourage investors to back local AI talent and strengthen the technology ecosystem.

Minicor’s progress will be worth watching as companies seek practical ways to adopt AI without abandoning systems they already depend on.