Chowdeck: Revolutionizing Food Delivery in Nigeria
Chowdeck is an innovative on-demand food delivery service based in Lagos, Nigeria, launched in October 2021. The platform aims to streamline the process of ordering meals from a diverse range of restaurants, providing quick delivery times, typically under 30 minutes. Since its inception, Chowdeck has rapidly gained traction, delivering over 80,000 meals within its first six months and expanding its services to beyond Lagos.
Founders and Leadership Team
Chowdeck was co-founded by a trio of industry experts:
- Femi Aluko: Co-founder and CEO, previously a Principal Engineer at Paystack.
- Olumide Ojo: Co-founder and CTO, who brings extensive experience in African fintech.
- Lanre Yusuf: Co-founder and COO, formerly an Engineering Lead at Crown Interactive.
Food Delivery in Nigeria
Chowdeck allows users to order a variety of cuisines, including African and Asian dishes, pizzas, and beverages. The service empowers local restaurants by increasing their sales and providing a platform to reach more customers. Currently, Chowdeck partners with approximately 2,000 restaurants across eight Nigerian cities, showcasing its rapid expansion within the competitive food delivery market.
Notable Features
Chowdeck offers several notable features that enhance its service:
- Fast Delivery: The platform consistently achieves delivery times of under 30 minutes.
- Diverse Restaurant Selection: Users can choose from a wide range of restaurants offering various cuisines.
- Support for Restaurant Owners: Chowdeck provides local restaurants with a platform to grow their business.
- Mobile App Accessibility: The app is available for download on both Google Play and the App Store.
Chowdeck’s mission is to enhance the food delivery landscape in Africa by providing a seamless ordering experience while addressing the unique challenges faced by the industry in the region.
Recent Milestones
Since its launch, Chowdeck has achieved several significant milestones, underscoring its rapid growth in Nigeria’s food delivery market:
- N30 Billion in Deliveries: As of October 2024, Chowdeck surpassed N30 billion in deliveries for the year, highlighting its expanding influence in the Nigerian food service industry.
- Over 1 Million Users: The platform has registered over one million users, a remarkable increase from just 319 users in its first month.
- 3,000+ Partner Restaurants: Chowdeck collaborates with over 3,000 restaurants across eight major cities in Nigeria.
- 10,000+ Delivery Riders: The company has established a network of more than 10,000 riders, contributing to job creation and economic growth.
Funding and Growth
Chowdeck secured $2.5 million in seed funding in early 2024 from notable investors, including Y Combinator and Goodwater Capital. This funding will enhance its operations and facilitate its market expansion. With the new capital, Chowdeck aims to improve operational efficiency and extend its services to additional cities across Nigeria by the end of 2024.
Operational Achievements
Chowdeck’s operational achievements are noteworthy:
- Delivery Efficiency: The platform consistently achieves delivery times under 30 minutes, contributing to high user satisfaction and retention.
- Strategic Partnerships: Chowdeck has formed partnerships with major chains like Shoprite to enhance grocery delivery services, further solidifying its market position.
These milestones reflect Chowdeck’s commitment to transforming the food delivery landscape in Nigeria and positioning itself as a leader in the industry.
