Checkkit App

How Three Founders Built Checkkit App to a $2 Million Business

March 9th, 2025

Founded By

Dare Odumade

Monthly Revenue

$167K

Founders

Profitable

Yes

Year Started

2018

Customer

B2C

Founded By
Dare Odumade: Monthly Revenue
$167K

Founders
2: Profitable
Yes

Year Started
2018: Customer
B2C

Who is Dare Odumade?

Chekkit App was co-founded by Dare Odumade, a Nigerian entrepreneur with a passion for solving healthcare problems through technology, and Daniel Fayle, a former banker turned tech entrepreneur who left the banking sector to pursue more innovative ventures. Odumade attended the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology in Ghana, where his encounter with the challenges of counterfeit medicines inspired him to build a solution. Fayle, motivated by his desire for a more dynamic and impactful career, transitioned from banking to tech entrepreneurship, co-founding Chekkit to address these critical issues.

What problem does Checkkit App solve?

Chekkit App helps consumers in Africa verify the authenticity of products like medicines and cosmetics, alleviating the risk of consuming counterfeit goods, which can be life-threatening.

How did Dare come up with the idea for Checkkit App?

During his time at the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology in Ghana, Dare Odumade was deeply moved by a friend's story of a patient's tragic death due to counterfeit medicine. This personal encounter highlighted the dire impact of fake pharmaceuticals in Africa and sparked Dare's determination to address this pressing issue. He realized that the root of the problem lay in the fragmented supply chains, leading him to research and identify a viable solution to verify the authenticity of products from production to consumption.

Together with his co-founder Oluwatosin Adelowo, they saw an opportunity to build a system that wouldn't just prevent counterfeiting, but also empower consumers while protecting companies. They focused on using innovative technologies like blockchain to ensure transparency and security, conducting thorough research and gathering insights to refine their solution. By embedding QR codes and USSD options into product packaging, they developed an accessible way for consumers to authenticate products, even in areas with limited internet access.

The co-founders faced the challenge of skepticism from potential clients and the difficulty of changing consumer behavior, yet they overcame these hurdles by leveraging partnerships and tailoring their approach to the local market. Through ongoing feedback and iteration, they honed their platform to ensure it was as effective and user-friendly as possible. This journey taught them the importance of persistence, local comprehension, and continuous adaptation to truly make an impact.

How did Dare Odumade build the initial version of Checkkit App?

The initial version of Chekkit was developed at the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology in Ghana, where the team began addressing inefficiencies in supply chains that contribute to counterfeit goods. Key to the product's development was the combination of unique QR codes or numeric codes on product labels, which allow consumers and manufacturers to verify authenticity by using a mobile app or a USSD code. This approach meant that internet access was not a barrier, crucial in regions where connectivity is limited. The prototype, which took about three months to develop, faced challenges such as creating a tamper-proof labeling system and ensuring integration into existing supply chains. Utilizing blockchain technology enhanced security and transparency across the supply chain. Building the product was a complex process and required navigating skepticism from potential corporate clients who were not used to technology-based solutions.

What was the growth strategy for Checkkit App and how did they scale?

Partnerships and Collaborations

Chekkit significantly capitalized on forming partnerships to drive its growth. By collaborating with companies like Microsoft and Cisco, Chekkit embedded its product into established systems, which helped with credibility and reach. They also looked to partner with major packaging companies like Nampark and Tetra Pak. These partnerships allowed Chekkit to penetrate markets more deeply by integrating QR and authentication labels directly onto products sold by large FMCG companies. Integrating their technology into existing systems has provided a seamless solution for consumers and producers.

Why it worked: These partnerships aimed to leverage the established networks and credibility of well-known companies. By aligning with established entities, Chekkit was able to expand its reach and scale rapidly. The collaboration with ERP providers also ensured that their solution was positioned as a complementary product, filling in gaps in traditional supply chain tracking.

Reward System

Chekkit implemented a reward system that incentivized users to verify the authenticity of products. Users could earn airtime and other rewards for confirming their products' authenticity and participating in surveys. This approach not only encouraged more client engagement but also helped in collecting valuable consumer data for feedback and improvement.

Why it worked: The reward system created a win-win scenario. While consumers obtained rewards, companies gained valuable insights into consumer behavior. This approach led to higher consumer participation levels, which reinforced product authenticity verification.

Strategic Use of USSD and QR Codes

Chekkit leveraged USSD and QR codes for product verification, allowing consumers without smartphones to still access their services. This adaptability to the technological limitations in Africa meant a broader reach across various consumer segments.

Why it worked: By using USSD, Chekkit effectively tackled the challenge presented by low smartphone penetration in Africa. This solution was convenient for consumers familiar with USSD processes, thereby lowering the barrier for adoption. As a result, it facilitated widespread participation in authenticating products, contributing to customer retention and trust in the brand.

Consumer and Market Education

Chekkit recognized the importance of educating both consumers and market stakeholders about counterfeit products. The company actively engaged with local communities and regulatory bodies to raise awareness through partnerships and educational drives, as they planned to expand their reach.

Why it worked: Education provided consumers with the necessary knowledge to identify counterfeit products, aligning consumer safety with brand trust. This educational component not only helped in reducing counterfeit product prevalence but also enhanced customer loyalty by emphasizing the brand's commitment to consumer safety.

What's the pricing strategy for Checkkit App?

Chekkit App employs a tiered pricing strategy, charging per-label fees for its verification service, which can be significantly reduced by up to 90% based on volume, with additional supply chain tracking starting at $10,000 annually.

What were the biggest lessons learned from building Checkkit App?

Focus on Problem-Solving: Chekkit succeeded by addressing the critical problem of counterfeit products, especially medicines in Africa. This focus on solving a significant issue created value and demand for their solution.
Embrace Feedback and Adapt: The company used consumer feedback mechanisms to continuously improve their product and service offerings, ensuring they stayed relevant and effective in a challenging market.
Leverage Strategic Partnerships: Chekkit forged key partnerships with advertising agencies and other stakeholders, which helped them expand their market reach and scale operations, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Use Technology Innovatively: They utilized technologies like blockchain for supply chain transparency and USSD codes for product verification, effectively adapting to the technological landscape and consumer habits.
Persistence Through Doubts: The founders regularly faced doubts about their venture's viability, but they committed to their vision and used these moments to reinforce their determination and focus.

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