Chowdeck, a Lagos based food delivery startup, has become the first Nigerian startup to be incubated at the prestigious Techstars accelerator program. So exciting to see @pulseio raise $9m Series A funding! Chowdeck was started in October 2021 by Femi Aluko, Olumide Ojo and Lanre Yusuf. Today, it is the largest shared mobility operator in Nigeria and Ghana — with operations in 11 cities, serving 1.5 million customers, and a network of over 20,000 riders. The funding will enable the company to rapidly accelerate the development of its commerce strategy. That will aid in expanding its operations deeper into these markets.
As a result, Chowdeck has a proven track record of profitability prior to obtaining the Series A investment. In 2024, the total value of meals delivered on the platform increased over six times from the prior year. This rapid expansion is a testament to Chowdeck’s efficient logistics network, which boasts an average delivery time of only half an hour per order. In Wang’s more densely populated neighborhoods, Chowdeck completes more than 60% of its deliveries on two wheels. This is a great example of the company’s commitment to moving toward more efficient and sustainable delivery modes.
The new funding round saw participation from high profile investors, including Novastar Ventures and Y Combinator. Chowdeck expects to leverage the capital to grow its daily order volume significantly. By the end of September 2025, they intend to hit 5,000 orders per day. The company has aggressive plans to expand to 40 dark stores by the end of 2025. By the end of 2026, they hope to have increased that figure to 500.
Building on technological advances Chowdeck is advancing technology-wise and collaborative partnership-wise. In June, the company purchased Mira, a Toronto-based point-of-sale provider that focuses on African food and hospitality small businesses. This acquisition is likely to enhance Chowdeck’s service offerings and accelerate efficiencies across its growing network.
Femi Aluko, CEO and co-founder of Chowdeck, expressed enthusiasm about the funding, stating, “We’re thrilled about this round as it brings us closer to our vision of becoming Africa’s number one super app.” This ambition further highlights Chowdeck’s larger play to fold other services in beyond just food delivery.
Brian Waswani Odhiambo, an industry observer, commented on Chowdeck’s potential impact on the market: “Chowdeck is building the future of logistics for African cities.” This positive sentiment is indicative of Chowdeck’s rising acclaim as a leader in cutting-edge logistics solutions. These solutions are purpose-built to address the particular issues facing the urban spaces on the African continent.
As Chowdeck continues to gaze toward the horizon, it undoubtedly be on its way to cementing its place in a crowded, competitive marketplace. The company has proven its ability to turn, execute and innovate in a constantly evolving landscape. With plans for expansion into more cities in Nigeria and Ghana, Chowdeck aims to enhance its reach and continue serving a diverse customer base.
