Chowdeck Raises $9M to Expand Across Africa and Launch Quick Commerce
Lagos, Nigeria — Profitable food delivery startup Chowdeck has raised $9 million in Series A funding to expand operations across Nigeria and Ghana. The company will also launch quick commerce, offering ultra-fast delivery through new dark stores and local logistics hubs.
The funding round was led by Novastar Ventures, with participation from Y Combinator, AAIC Investment, Rebel Fund, GFR Fund, Kaleo, HoaQ, and others.
Funding to Drive Expansion and Faster Deliveries
CEO and co-founder Femi Aluko said the new investment will “supercharge” growth plans.
“We’re thrilled about this round as it brings us closer to becoming Africa’s number one super app,” Aluko said. “We’ll expand into more cities, reduce delivery times, scale grocery delivery, and attract top talent.”
Founded in October 2021 by Femi Aluko, Olumide Ojo, and Lanre Yusuf, Chowdeck operates in 11 cities across Nigeria and Ghana, serving 1.5 million customers with a fleet of 20,000 riders. The platform completes most deliveries within 30 minutes, and over half of urban deliveries use bicycles.
Profitability and Growth Amid Industry Challenges
While major competitors have struggled or exited Africa, Chowdeck has stayed profitable by focusing on local meals and on-time delivery. The company says the value of meals delivered grew sixfold in 2024, surpassing last year’s total before July 2025.
Chowdeck plans to open 40 dark stores by the end of 2025 and 500 by 2026, adding two to three new locations weekly. The company previously raised $2.5 million in seed funding last year.
Quick Commerce: High Risk, High Reward
Globally, quick commerce has proven difficult. European startups like Gorillas and Getir burned through millions before scaling back, while Indian players such as Zepto and Blinkit are still chasing profitability.
Chowdeck believes its localized operations and disciplined rollout can make the model sustainable in Africa. The startup only expands into new cities or verticals when it can break even within weeks.
When Chowdeck launched in Ghana in May 2025, it reached 1,000 daily orders within three months, all without paid ads. The company expects to grow to 5,000 daily orders by September 2025.
Tech and Vertical Integration
Chowdeck is also investing in software infrastructure. In June, it acquired Mira, a point-of-sale startup for African restaurants and hospitality businesses. Mira’s tools manage real-time inventory and orders, helping Chowdeck optimize its restaurant logistics and expand into SaaS-plus-logistics services.
A Win for Local Tech and African Super Apps
Chowdeck’s success comes after global competitors like Jumia, Bolt Food, and Glovo scaled back operations in Nigeria and Ghana. The company’s profitable model and deep local expertise have positioned it as a leading African super app contender, alongside players such as Gozem, Yassir, and MNT-Halan.
“Chowdeck is building the future of logistics for African cities,” said Brian Waswani Odhiambo, Partner at Novastar Ventures. “Its local insight, strong execution, and focus on sustainability are redefining last-mile delivery.”
