Minicor, a Nigerian co-founded artificial intelligence startup, has raised $3.8 million in seed funding to help businesses connect modern AI applications with older software systems.
The San Francisco-based company is addressing a challenge faced by organisations that still depend on traditional desktop software. Although artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly useful in business operations, many existing systems were not designed to work with modern AI applications. Minicor wants to make it easier for businesses to adopt newer technologies without having to replace the software they already use.
Many businesses still rely on desktop software developed long before artificial intelligence became widely used. These programmes often lack application programming interfaces (APIs), which allow different software applications to communicate and exchange information.
Without these connections, modern AI tools may struggle to access information or perform tasks within older business systems.
Minicor is developing automation infrastructure to address this problem. Its platform allows developers to turn desktop workflows into API endpoints, enabling AI applications to interact with existing software.
This means businesses can introduce AI-powered processes into their operations without completely replacing their current technology infrastructure. Instead of rebuilding their systems, organisations can connect newer applications to the tools they already depend on.
Minicor was co-founded by Nigerian software engineer Saheed Akinbile and Faizaan Chishtie. The company is based in San Francisco, where it is developing technology to improve how modern applications interact with traditional business software.
Its focus is on making software integration easier for organisations that have relied on established desktop programmes for years. By addressing the technical limitations of these systems, Minicor aims to make AI adoption more accessible to businesses.
The $3.8 million seed funding round was led by Brad Gillespie of IA Ventures.
Other investors participating in the round include Y Combinator Paul Graham, Pioneer Fund, Robinhood Ventures, Garage Capital, Rebel Fund, K5 Global and 20VC.
The funding will support Minicor’s technology development and its efforts to simplify AI integration for businesses. The participation of established investors and technology backers also reflects growing interest in solutions that address practical challenges associated with artificial intelligence adoption.
Rather than developing another standalone AI application, Minicor is focusing on the infrastructure needed to help existing business systems work with newer technologies.
Older software systems remain important to many organisations because they are already integrated into daily operations. Businesses may depend on them to manage customer records, financial information, inventory and other essential activities.
Replacing these systems can be expensive and disruptive. It may also require staff training, data migration and changes to established business processes.
However, continuing to use software that cannot easily communicate with modern applications can limit the benefits businesses gain from new technologies.
This creates a gap between what artificial intelligence can potentially achieve and what existing systems allow companies to do. Minicor is attempting to close that gap by providing a way for AI applications to interact with older software without requiring a complete system replacement.
Minicor’s technology could be useful across industries where businesses depend on established software to manage important operations.
Some potential areas include:
- Healthcare: Connecting AI applications with existing administrative and record-management systems.
- Financial services: Helping businesses integrate newer applications with traditional financial software.
- Automotive services: Supporting automated workflows within established service and management systems.
- Logistics: Improving connections between AI tools and software used to coordinate deliveries, inventory and operations.
These industries often rely on technology infrastructure that cannot easily be replaced. Making existing systems compatible with newer applications could provide businesses with more flexibility as they explore AI-powered solutions.
Minicor’s funding highlights the growing presence of Nigerian-founded companies in the global artificial intelligence industry.
Although the startup operates from San Francisco, its Nigerian co-founder reflects the contribution of African technology professionals to the development of solutions for international markets.
The funding also comes amid increasing interest in artificial intelligence across the African startup ecosystem. Investors are exploring opportunities in AI development, infrastructure and applications that address business challenges.
For instance, Enza capital has announced a new fund to support African AI startups, highlighting the growing interest in backing companies building solutions around emerging technologies.
Google has also introduced AI training initiatives to help more Africans develop skills in artificial intelligence.
Minicor’s $3.8 million seed round adds to this wider conversation about AI innovation and the opportunities available to African-founded technology ventures.
Minicor develops automation infrastructure that allows AI applications to interact with older desktop software by turning desktop workflows into API endpoints.
The Nigerian co-founded startup has raised $3.8 million in seed funding.