Nigeria’s Leading Food Delivery Startup Expands Horizons
Lagos-based food delivery platform Chowdeck has raised $9 million in a Series A funding round, positioning itself for a bold expansion into quick commerce. This move will transform how customers in Nigeria and Ghana access food, groceries, and essential goods.
The round was led by Novastar Ventures and supported by prominent backers including Y Combinator, AAIC Investment, Rebel Fund, GFR Fund, Kaleo, and HoaQ. With this injection of capital, Chowdeck plans to open 40 dark stores before the year ends and scale up to 500 by 2026, dramatically boosting delivery speed and product range.
From Lagos Kitchens to West African Streets
Founded in October 2021, Chowdeck quickly emerged as a top player in Nigeria’s food delivery sector. Its operational philosophy focuses on sustainable growth: the company enters new regions only after reaching break-even in existing markets.
This disciplined strategy has paid off. When Chowdeck expanded to Ghana, it achieved over 1,000 daily orders within just three months — a target that took almost a year to reach in Nigeria.
Co-founder and CEO Femi Aluko has attributed the success to deep local insight, customer-first logistics, and a technology stack built for speed and efficiency.
Quick Commerce: More Than Just Food Delivery
Chowdeck’s quick commerce push means delivering not just restaurant meals but also groceries, pharmaceuticals, and daily essentials within minutes.
The company’s planned network of dark stores will serve as micro-warehouses, strategically located to reduce delivery times. This model, already successful in Asia and parts of Europe, could redefine last-mile delivery in African cities.
TechCabal notes that these dark stores will be stocked with high-demand items, ensuring faster fulfillment and reducing the reliance on third-party vendors.
Acquisition of Mira: Strengthening the Tech Stack
Earlier this year, Chowdeck acquired Mira, a point-of-sale (POS) provider. This acquisition brings integrated order and inventory management directly into Chowdeck’s logistics system.
With Mira’s software, Chowdeck can offer partner merchants real-time insights into sales, stock levels, and delivery performance. This integration is expected to enhance operational efficiency while helping small businesses scale.
Profitability in a Competitive Market
Unlike many venture-backed startups that focus solely on growth, Chowdeck has managed to remain profitable. The company’s model emphasizes hyperlocal delivery zones, efficient rider deployment, and data-driven inventory planning.
In a market where Jumia Food’s exit and the struggles of smaller players have left gaps, Chowdeck’s disciplined expansion strategy could make it a dominant force.
Investor Confidence in African Quick Commerce
Lead investor Brian Waswani Odhiambo of Novastar Ventures highlighted Chowdeck’s “local insight, sustainability, and strong execution” as the key reasons for backing the startup.
According to TechCabal, investors see quick commerce as a natural evolution of Africa’s digital economy, especially as urban consumers demand faster, more reliable delivery services.
Ghana: A Launchpad for Regional Growth
Ghana is proving to be more than just an expansion market — it’s a testing ground for Chowdeck’s quick commerce model. The company’s rapid adoption there signals strong cross-border potential.
By refining logistics and consumer engagement strategies in Accra, Chowdeck is preparing for entry into other West African cities, potentially including Abidjan, Dakar, and Monrovia.
Challenges on the Road Ahead
Despite its success, Chowdeck faces several challenges:
- Infrastructure Gaps: Poor road conditions and inconsistent addressing systems can slow deliveries.
- Competition: As quick commerce gains traction, rivals — both local and international — are eyeing the same opportunities.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Compliance with evolving e-commerce and logistics regulations will require careful navigation.
However, the startup’s ability to scale profitably, coupled with investor backing, gives it a strong edge.
What This Means for African E-Commerce
Chowdeck’s expansion signals a broader shift in African e-commerce: the move from marketplace-based, multi-day deliveries to hyperlocal, same-day fulfillment.
If successful, this approach could redefine consumer expectations and spur infrastructure investment in warehousing, payment processing, and logistics.
Eventual Vision: A Super-App for Daily Needs
Long term, Chowdeck aims to be more than a delivery service. By integrating merchants, logistics, and payments into a single platform, the company could evolve into a super-app for food, groceries, and essential goods.
Funding Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series A Funding | $9 million |
| Lead Investor | Novastar Ventures |
| Other Investors | Y Combinator, AAIC Investment, Rebel Fund, GFR Fund, Kaleo, HoaQ |
| Founded | October 2021 |
| Target Markets | Nigeria, Ghana |
| Dark Stores Goal | 40 by end of 2025, 500 by 2026 |
Conclusion
The $9 million Series A funding is more than a financial milestone for Chowdeck — it’s a strategic leap toward redefining quick commerce in West Africa. With disciplined expansion, strong investor confidence, and a clear vision, the startup is poised to shape the future of last-mile delivery in the region.
