The three founders of [Chowdeck](https://www.chowdeck.com) – Femi Aluko, Olumide Ojo and Lanre Yusuf – have recently been admitted to the Endeavor Nigeria network, a global community that supports high‑impact entrepreneurs. Their entry comes as the Lagos‑based food‑delivery and logistics startup looks to deepen its footprint in both Nigeria and Ghana, leveraging the network’s mentorship and investment connections.
Key figures underline the startup’s rapid growth: operating in 14 cities, serving over 800,000 active customers, partnering with nearly 9,000 vendors and employing around 8,000 riders, while processing roughly 1.2 million orders each month. The founders say the network will help them navigate market entry, senior‑leadership hiring and cross‑border regulatory challenges.
**What is the Endeavor network?**
Endeavor is an international organization that links fast‑growing entrepreneurs with seasoned mentors, investors and peer founders. Membership gives access to a pool of experienced business leaders who have already solved problems similar to those faced by emerging companies.
**How did Chowdeck start?**
The company was created in 2021 to address food‑delivery gaps that emerged during Lagos’s COVID‑19 lockdown. Inspired by delivery models in Dubai, the founders launched with three motorbikes, three riders and two partner restaurants in Ikeja and Yaba. Since then, Chowdeck has broadened its services to include quick commerce, grocery and parcel delivery, merchant solutions, advertising and financial services, expanding into [Ghana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana) in May 2025.
"The most valuable thing for a founder at this stage is being able to talk to someone who has already solved the problem in front of you," Aluko explained. "Endeavor gives us access to exactly those people, across Africa and around the world."
**Why does Endeavor see Chowdeck as a standout?**
Noah Sebhatleab of Endeavor Global noted that Chowdeck designs its platform specifically for African markets, unlike many international rivals that try to import foreign playbooks. This local‑first approach has allowed the company to keep scaling while competitors retreat.
Martin Escobari, a board member of Endeavor Global, added that the founders’ expertise makes Chowdeck “a local champion in food delivery across Nigeria and Ghana.”
Ireayo Oladunjoye, managing director and CEO of Endeavor Nigeria, praised the trio’s ability to seize a clear market opportunity and build a business with the ambition, pace and resilience required for large‑scale growth.
Founded in 1997, Endeavor supports high‑growth entrepreneurs outside traditional tech hubs, connecting them with more than 3,100 members across 100 markets. Through this network, Chowdeck’s founders gain strategic insights while contributing to the broader African business ecosystem.