A Nigerian semiconductor startup is raising its capacity to design computer chips for global clients after securing $1.9 million in seed funding, backing a business model that combines chip engineering with training local talent for a highly specialised industry.
ChipMango, which operates a secure chip design centre in Opebi, Lagos, plans to use the investment to expand its engineering operations and strengthen Nigeria’s participation in the global semiconductor supply chain.
The September 2026 funding round was led by Atlantica Ventures, with DFS Labs, Madica, Kaleo Ventures, Trilinear Technologies and Malta Ventures also participating, according to Brandspur Brand News.
The investment marks a significant step for the startup, which began with the ambition of building a semiconductor design workforce in Nigeria rather than relying solely on the country’s established technology sectors, particularly fintech.
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Training Engineers Alongside Commercial Projects
ChipMango was founded in 2022 by Ola Fadiran, who previously worked in design and architecture roles at Intel and Boeing, and Jovan Andjelich, who managed Google’s chip operations for mobile devices and helped Tesla expand vehicle production.
The founders began exploring the prospects for a chip design industry in Africa in 2021, before establishing the company to develop local engineering talent and deliver chip design services to international customers.
Its first secure design centre in Lagos opened in December 2024. The facility was built to protect clients’ intellectual property while engineers work on semiconductor designs.
The company operates through two connected activities: training Nigerian engineers and providing commercial chip design and verification services.
It partners with institutions including the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University and Miva Open University to help graduates develop practical semiconductor skills. Trainees combine academic instruction with supervised work on actual client projects.
The commercial operation focuses on designing and verifying chips before they are sent to fabrication plants for manufacturing. The work can support products ranging from medical equipment to consumer electronics and other technology systems.
Funding Follows Early Revenue Progress
ChipMango had reported approximately $200,000 in annual recurring revenue by late 2025 and was then seeking a $1 million pre-seed investment to expand its Lagos workforce to 90 engineers.
Its subsequent $1.9 million seed round exceeded that earlier fundraising target, providing additional capital for its expansion plans.
The company’s strategy comes against a backdrop of growing global demand for semiconductor expertise, particularly as artificial intelligence development increases the need for advanced computing hardware.
The worldwide chip shortages experienced between 2020 and 2023 also exposed the risks of concentrated semiconductor supply chains, as manufacturers in several industries struggled to obtain components.
ChipMango is targeting a different part of that supply chain from companies that manufacture chips. Its focus is on design and verification, allowing it to contribute engineering services without having to operate a semiconductor fabrication plant.
The funding provides an opportunity to grow that capability from Nigeria. However, the company’s longer-term progress will depend on its ability to win and retain commercial clients, develop specialised engineers and turn its training pipeline into a sustainable source of talent for the semiconductor industry.
