Lagos-based delivery startup Chowdeck secured $9 million in Series A funding to ramp up a quick commerce strategy and scale operations across Nigeria and Ghana. The round came from Novastar Ventures with strong participation from Y Combinator, AAIC Investment, Rebel Fund, GFR Fund, Kaleo, HoaQ and others.
Strategic Expansion and Vision
CEO and Co-founder Femi Aluko said the new capital pushes the team closer to its mission of becoming Africa’s number one super app, offering seamless access to food, groceries and essentials. Chowdeck currently operates in 11 cities across Nigeria and Ghana, serves 1.5 million customers and manages a fleet of over 20,000 riders with average delivery time around 30 minutes.
Quick Commerce & Logistics Hub Rollout
Chowdeck’s quick commerce model relies on dark stores and hyperlocal logistics hubs. These assets aim to speed up delivery, expand geographic coverage and enhance reliability. The company plans to open 40 dark stores by the end of 2025 and scale to 500 stores by the end of 2026, launching 2-3 stores per week.
Impressive Growth Trajectory
Chowdeck’s growth remains impressive. In 2024, the value of meals it delivered grew more than sixfold compared to 2023 and by mid-2025, the startup had already surpassed its entire 2024 deliveries. The quick city rollout enabled by refined operations underpins rapid market entry and efficient scale-up.
Investor Confidence and Market Impact
Investors praised Chowdeck’s sharp execution and sustainable approach in a sector often dominated by unprofitable players. Novastar Ventures commended the startup as “building the future of logistics for African cities”. The new funding comes at a time when many global delivery players have faltered, opening space for local champions like Chowdeck to lead.
What This Means for West African Consumers
Strengthened platform ecosystem, combining logistics and technology
Faster deliveries across more urban and underserved areas
Accessible essentials beyond food, including groceries and medicines
More reliable service, backed by ambitious infrastructure rollout
Chowdeck’s bold aim to lead Africa’s convenience economy underscores a rising trend: local startups building resilient, profitable models in sectors where many global entrants have failed.
