In Nigeria’s fast-growing foodtech sector, one startup has captured attention by proving that profitability and scale don’t always require massive capital injections. MyFoodAngels, founded by Olapeju Umah, has grown from simple neighborhood grocery runs into a profitable platform serving thousands of households across Lagos.
Humble Beginnings
The journey started in 2021, when Umah began helping neighbors source groceries more conveniently. What began as an informal service revealed a deep pain point: many households needed a trusted partner to handle market runs, ensure quality, and deliver at fair prices. From this insight, MyFoodAngels was born.
At first, the company relied on manual processes — WhatsApp lists, direct market runs, and small-scale deliveries. But Umah envisioned something bigger: a structured, scalable system that could connect farmers, markets, and consumers more efficiently.
Scaling with Discipline
Instead of chasing growth at all costs, MyFoodAngels prioritized operational efficiency and customer trust. This focus paid off. Today, the company reports:
- 10,000+ customers served
- Around 5,000 returning users every month
- A team of 30+ employees
- And most impressively, a path to profitability
The startup has managed this by building disciplined systems, sourcing directly from farmers, and creating a more reliable supply chain. This approach has allowed MyFoodAngels to scale sustainably in a sector where many competitors struggle with razor-thin margins.
Recognition and Support
Though largely bootstrapped, MyFoodAngels has earned significant recognition. In 2023, it won GET Accelerated, an initiative of the Grooming Endowment Trust, securing equity-free funding. It also benefited from a Flourish Africa grant, a program designed to empower women-led businesses. These grants provided critical support while allowing the company to retain its independence.
The startup’s progress has been highlighted by platforms such as TechCabal and Premium Times, which spotlighted MyFoodAngels as a standout in Nigeria’s food solutions ecosystem.
Lessons for African Entrepreneurs
The MyFoodAngels journey underscores a powerful truth: impactful businesses don’t always need to start with massive funding rounds. By focusing on real customer problems, strong unit economics, and operational discipline, African entrepreneurs can build profitable, scalable companies from the ground up.
For Umah, what began as a small act of helping neighbors has transformed into a growing business that employs dozens and serves thousands. For the ecosystem, it is proof that Africa’s most successful startups can be born from the simplest ideas — executed with resilience and vision.
