Kwik, a Lagos-based logistics startup, has successfully secured an undisclosed amount of funding from Yves Guillemot, the founder and CEO of French video games company Ubisoft SA. This significant investment is part of an ongoing Series A funding round and is earmarked to support the expansion of Kwik's operations, particularly at a time when robust logistics are crucial due to current lockdowns in major cities.

Founded in July 2018 by French national Romain Poirot-Lellig, Kwik launched its B2B and B2B2C focused, on-demand, and last-mile delivery services in Lagos in July 2019, following approximately nine months of intensive operational planning and software development. Romain Poirot-Lellig also holds the title of CEO and Founder of Africa Delivery Technologies. The company's chairwoman, Olatowun CANDIDE-JOHNSON, brings extensive experience from senior management roles within the Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria and the Total Group, which she leverages for the company's growth.

This latest funding round builds on previous successes, as Kwik had already raised an estimated $330,000 in equity investment in May 2019. This earlier funding included a $230,000 Seed round, which was led by MarlInves, a French investment company with a notable presence and experience in Nigeria.

Kwik is dedicated to serving both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-business-to-customer (B2B2C) clients who require reliable transportation for their documents or parcels. The startup facilitates the delivery of a diverse range of items, including food, parcels, shopping goods, documents, groceries, and electronics. It maintains a strict weight limit, with riders allowed to carry a maximum of 20 kg in their Kwik box.

Operating in the competitive Lagos last-mile delivery market, Kwik faces competition from other established players such as GIGL, Max, and Gokada. However, Poirot-Lellig emphasizes Kwik Delivery's distinctive operating model. He describes it as an "asset-light" company that enlists "Kwiksters" – its delivery partners – in a manner similar to how Uber enlists drivers. Kwik provides these partners with essential equipment, comprehensive training, financial services, cutting-edge technology, and performance incentives, all while enforcing a clear and strict set of rules. The startup significantly leverages technology to ensure a seamless and transparent delivery process, operating a point-to-point system that enables users to track their parcels from the moment of dispatch until delivery.

Although Kwik is currently operational exclusively in Lagos, the company has expressed clear ambitions for broader expansion. Poirot-Lellig previously stated the startup's goal to enhance the fluidity and reliability of goods, people, and services transportation in large cities across sub-Saharan Africa. The new infusion of capital from Ubisoft's founder is pivotal for commencing these expansion plans, especially as efficient logistics have become increasingly paramount during periods of lockdown in major urban centers.