Chowdeck, the Nigerian food delivery platform, has secured $9 million in Series A funding to speed up expansion across Nigeria and Ghana and roll out a quick commerce model.
The investment round was led by Novastar Ventures, with participation from Y Combinator, AAIC Investment, Rebel Fund, GFR Fund, Kaleo, and HoaQ.
Co-founder and CEO Babafemi Aluko says the company will use the funds to extend its reach, shorten delivery times, and open new fulfilment hubs. “We’re thrilled about this round as it brings us closer to our vision of becoming Africa’s number one super app,” he said.
Founded in October 2021 by Aluko, Olumide Ojo, and Lanre Yusuf, Chowdeck has grown from 300 users to 1.5 million customers in under four years. It now operates in 11 cities, relying on a network of more than 20,000 riders. Over half of its deliveries in dense urban areas are made by bicycle, keeping costs low and operations sustainable.
The company’s entry into Ghana in May 2025 illustrates its measured approach. Within three months, it was processing 1,000 daily orders without paid advertising, targeting 5,000 by September 2025. Aluko insists the company doesn’t expand into any city without a plan to break even in weeks.
A major part of the new strategy is quick commerce, ultra-fast delivery using “dark stores” and hyperlocal logistics hubs. Chowdeck aims to open 40 such stores by the end of this year and 500 by 2026, adding two to three each week.
The company has also moved into software. In June 2025, it acquired Mira, a point-of-sale provider for restaurants and hospitality businesses. Mira’s inventory tracking and order management tools will be integrated into Chowdeck’s platform, turning it into a combined logistics and operational support service for vendors.
The funding and expansion come at a time when several foreign competitors have scaled back operations in West Africa, including Bolt Food and Jumia Food.
For lead investor Novastar Ventures, Chowdeck’s success lies in execution and local market knowledge. “Chowdeck is building the future of logistics for African cities,” said partner Brian Waswani Odhiambo. “With deep local insight, a sustainability-first approach, and impressive execution, it is redefining last-mile delivery on the continent.”
In 2024, the total value of meals delivered through Chowdeck was six times higher than the previous year, and by mid-2025, it had already surpassed that total. The company’s disciplined, profit-focused approach contrasts with global quick commerce players like Gorillas and Getir, which have burned through vast sums before retreating from markets.
With this latest round Chowdeck is strengthening its locally tailored model to capture market share and avoid the costly pitfalls that have tripped up others.
