Lagos-based food delivery company Chowdeck has raised $9 million in Series A funding to accelerate its quick commerce ambitions and expand its footprint across Nigeria and Ghana. The company, which has maintained profitability in a challenging, low-margin industry, aims to leverage this capital to launch ultra-fast delivery services and strengthen its grocery and essentials offerings. The round signals investor confidence in Chowdeck’s ability to execute in a market where many global players have struggled to sustain operations.
Funding and Investor Backing
The equity financing was led by Novastar Ventures, with participation from Y Combinator, AAIC Investment, Rebel Fund, GFR Fund, Kaleo, HoaQ, and other backers. Investors are betting on Chowdeck’s blend of local market expertise and operational efficiency to build a sustainable, multi-service super app in Africa. Co-founder and CEO Femi Aluko expressed optimism, noting that the investment will help shorten delivery times, expand into new markets, grow the grocery segment, and attract top talent.
Rapid Growth Since Founding
Founded in October 2021 by Aluko, Olumide Ojo, and Lanre Yusuf, Chowdeck operates in 11 cities and serves 1.5 million customers through a network of more than 20,000 riders. The platform’s logistics system delivers orders in an average of 30 minutes, with more than half of dense-area deliveries completed by bicycle. This operational agility has helped the company build trust in markets where fulfilling orders for local dishes poses greater logistical challenges than international fast food.
Sustained Profitability and Market Strategy
In 2024, the total value of meals delivered through Chowdeck grew more than sixfold compared to the prior year, surpassing its full-year 2024 figure before July. The company has remained profitable since before its latest raise, with a strategy of entering new cities and verticals only if they can reach breakeven within weeks. This disciplined approach stands in contrast to international rivals that have often prioritized rapid expansion over profitability in Africa.
Quick Commerce Rollout Plans
The Series A funds will support Chowdeck’s quick commerce push, which includes deploying a network of dark stores and hyperlocal logistics hubs for ultra-fast delivery. The company plans to open 40 dark stores by the end of 2025 and 500 by the close of 2026, with two to three new locations launching weekly. Quick commerce has been a risky venture in other regions, but Chowdeck believes its model, grounded in local demand and cost control, can avoid the heavy losses seen in Europe and parts of Asia.
Expanding Beyond Food Delivery
Chowdeck entered Ghana in May 2025 and quickly began handling 1,000 daily orders without paid advertising, driven by demand for both local and international cuisines. The company projects this figure will grow to 5,000 daily orders by September 2025, applying the same growth playbook it uses in Nigeria. Additionally, the company acquired African point-of-sale provider Mira in June to strengthen its software capabilities, enabling real-time inventory and order management for partner restaurants.
Competitive Landscape and Industry Significance
Chowdeck’s expansion comes after Jumia’s retreat from the food delivery segment, which left space for international brands like Glovo, Bolt Food, and Yango—many of which have since reduced operations in Nigeria and Ghana. The rise of local competitors such as Gozem, Yassir, and MNT-Halan in other African markets reflects a growing preference for regionally rooted solutions. For lead investor Novastar Ventures, Chowdeck’s execution-focused approach and deep market understanding position it to redefine last-mile delivery in Africa.
As online ordering becomes a normalized habit for a new generation of African consumers, Chowdeck is aiming to become the go-to super app for food, groceries, and everyday essentials. Its profitable track record, quick commerce ambitions, and software-driven operational edge could help it avoid the pitfalls that have plagued international rivals in the region. With strong investor backing and a disciplined growth strategy, the startup is positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s rapidly evolving delivery economy.