by Chowdeck has raised $9 million in Series A funding to accelerate its growth and quick commerce expansion across Nigeria and Ghana. The Lagos-based food delivery startup is leveraging this funding to enhance ultra-fast deliveries, open new fulfilment hubs, and deepen its market reach.
The $9M round was led by Novastar Ventures, with key participation from Y Combinator, AAIC Investment, and several notable investors. The confidence shown reflects Chowdeck’s local market expertise, profitability, and operational excellence in a sector typically known for thin margins.
Expanding Reach and Efficiency with Chowdeck Raising $9M
Founded in October 2021, Chowdeck serves 1.5 million customers in 11 cities via a network of over 20,000 riders. The company promises an average delivery time of 30 minutes, with more than half of deliveries in dense urban areas done by bicycle to keep costs and emissions low.
A major focus of the new capital from Chowdeck raising $9M is rolling out quick commerce through 40 “dark stores” by year-end and an ambitious plan to launch 500 by end of 2026. These hyperlocal hubs will bring groceries, meals, and essentials to customers with unprecedented speed.
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Innovating Beyond Delivery
Chowdeck’s strategy includes integrating tech with operations, marked by its recent acquisition of Mira, a point-of-sale system for restaurants and hospitality. This merger will empower vendors with inventory and order management tools, making Chowdeck a combined delivery and operational support platform.
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Why Chowdeck Raising $9M Matters Now
The funding arrives as many international rivals like Bolt Food and Jumia Food retreat from West Africa. Chowdeck’s profit-focused model, backed by deep understanding of local demand—such as offering local dishes—gives it a competitive edge. Its 2024 meal delivery volume was six times the previous year, and it has already surpassed 2024 totals halfway through 2025.
CEO Babafemi Aluko stated, “We’re thrilled about Chowdeck raising $9M as it brings us closer to our vision of becoming Africa’s number one super app. With this investment, we’ll expand into new cities, shorten delivery times, and enhance customer satisfaction.”
In summary, Chowdeck raising $9M marks a bold and strategic step to dominate quick commerce in West Africa, setting a strong example in a challenging market with local insight, innovation, and operational discipline. This funding fuels its mission to redefine last-mile delivery on the continent.
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