Nigerian AI Startup Patents Groundbreaking Algorithms, Eyes $500M Exit

Artificial intelligence in Nigeria has mostly been shaped by individual enthusiasts like Saheed Azeez of YarnGPT and Ijemma Onwuzulike of Igbo Speech. While their contributions are notable, true AI companies in the country remain scarce. Instead, most businesses integrate AI into fintech or insurance solutions using external infrastructure from AWS, Microsoft, or OpenAI.

One startup, however, is looking to break that norm. Autogon AI isn’t just embedding AI—it’s building an entire AI infrastructure from the ground up, making it easier and cheaper for businesses to integrate artificial intelligence without extensive coding.

Think of Autogon AI as a no-code platform for AI, enabling businesses to create and deploy AI-powered tools, from fraud detection systems to virtual assistants, with minimal effort.

The Journey of Autogon AI

Creating AI models from scratch has traditionally been a billion-dollar endeavour, especially when developing foundational AI like ChatGPT. Yet, China’s DeepSeek proved it could be done differently, producing an AI model comparable to GPT-4 with far less funding.

Autogon AI is adopting a similar strategy. Co-founder and CEO Obi Ebuka David, who previously co-founded Identity Pass (now Prembly), saw firsthand how costly and complex AI integration could be. He envisioned a simpler solution: a system where businesses could build AI models through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface rather than hiring specialised engineers.

To make this a reality, David and his team designed and patented unique algorithm structures. These innovations have already been applied in medical research, aiding AI-driven advancements in tuberculosis detection, brain haemorrhage analysis, skin disease identification, and even drug discovery for conditions like pancreatic cancer and COVID-19.

The startup also developed low-level generative AI models, with support from AWS and Google’s attention architecture, to ensure seamless scalability for companies handling vast datasets.

How Autogon AI Works

Businesses using Autogon AI start by uploading their datasets. If they lack proprietary data, they can integrate the startup’s pre-built APIs directly into their existing systems.

“You don’t need to know how to train an AI model,” David explained. “Just specify what you want, and Autogon AI does the rest.”

Once the data is in place, Autogon AI’s machine-learning engine processes it, trains the model, and optimises it for use. The platform then generates APIs and SDKs, enabling businesses to integrate AI into their websites, apps, or operations without any coding.

For instance, an e-commerce platform looking to add an AI-powered chatbot can deploy one within minutes using Autogon AI’s system. Traditionally, such an integration would require a dedicated team of developers, but with Autogon AI, the process is streamlined into a few simple clicks.

A Sustainable Business Model

Autogon AI operates on a subscription-based model, charging businesses a monthly fee to access its AI tools. The company also generates revenue through custom AI model development and enterprise partnerships, particularly in the financial services sector.

Despite raising less than $150,000 in funding, David insists the startup is self-sustaining, thanks to its revenue streams. While specific figures remain undisclosed, the company aims to reach between $150,000 and $200,000 in monthly recurring revenue.

However, the real jackpot lies in its medical AI models. If its drug discovery initiative is successfully commercialised, the company could sell it for as much as $500 million. Until then, Autogon AI’s growth will depend on how well it convinces businesses and governments to embrace AI solutions tailored for Africa.