Dare Odumade: Ensuring the Authenticity and Safety of Packaged Food and Medicine

Ladderworks is a publishing platform of diverse picture books and an online curriculum with the mission to empower over a million kids to become social entrepreneurs. Our current series features interviews by our interplanetary journalist Spiffy with inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builders, and Changemakers who are advancing the UN SDGs. 

Spiffy here with the scoop on the entrepreneurial leaders of Planet Earth. As the only interplanetary journalist stationed on this blue planet, I’m thrilled to present this galactic exclusive with Dare Odumade, the founder and CEO of Chekkit Technologies Corp. Let’s learn about what’s happening there and how Dare is making a positive impact in the world.

Spiffy: Hi Dare, thanks a million for talking to me today. Tell me, what challenge are you addressing through Chekkit Technologies Corp.?

Dare: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! We're fixing a big problem worth 300 billion dollars yearly in Africa! Lots of people get sick or even die from fake food and medicine—there are more than 500,000 deaths a year due to fake drugs. Imagine buying medicine that's not real and getting sicker! This happens a lot in Africa and the Middle East. Even in Nigeria, people are finding out about fake products more and more. It's been a problem for a long time, like half a century, but we're here to help. Our job is to make sure that the things you buy are real and safe. We work with big companies that make medicine and packaged food to make sure everything is okay from the start to when you buy it. We're like detectives, but for food and medicine!

Spiffy: I love that! What motivates you to do it?

Dare: I was motivated to start the company because of a deep-seated desire to address the pervasive issue of counterfeit products, especially in Africa and the Middle East, with my abilities to diagnose problems and create/invent a technological solution. Chekkit is my third company—witnessing the harmful effects of counterfeit drugs on people's health and the economy drove me to take action. My ambition is fuelled by the conviction that technology can be harnessed to create a safer and more transparent supply chain, ultimately saving lives, protecting consumers, and someday making me wealthy. This unwavering commitment to making a positive impact and improving the lives of millions continues to drive me and the Chekkit team forward in our mission.

Spiffy: What would you say is the impact of your work?

Dare: Chekkit's work benefits millions by ensuring product authenticity and safety, supporting SDG 3. With over two million consumers verifying products daily, Chekkit aids in industry innovation (SDG 9) by managing 240 million unique identifiers. It promotes fair work practices (SDG 8) and reduces inequalities (SDG 10). Moreover, its climate initiatives (SDG 13) and responsible consumption practices (SDG 12) contribute to a sustainable future, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Spiffy: Tell me about a recent organization milestone or initiative. What impact does it make on your community?

Dare: Chekkit has experienced remarkable growth, witnessing a 700% surge in demand for its Unique Identifiers, reaching 1.2 billion units, and generating $100,000 revenue in the last two months. With an expanded customer base and revenue increase from $200,000 to almost $400,000 of annual recurring revenue, the transition to managing 240 million unique identifiers underscores growing trust from manufacturers. Additionally, significant user engagement with 1.9 million users and partnerships with key stakeholders like SAP and IFAD  showcase Chekkit's commitment to scaling impact and protecting innovations.

Spiffy: Is there anything else you would love to tell our audience?

Dare: Chekkit is revolutionizing pharmaceutical traceability in Africa, ensuring secure and transparent supply chains. Our strategic partnerships and commitment to innovation position us as a global leader in brand protection logistics, driving hyperscale growth and reshaping the future of supply chain management worldwide. Join us on this transformative journey towards a safer and more efficient marketplace.

Spiffy: Thanks for speaking with me today, Dare—it’s been an honor!

Dare Odumade, CEO of Chekkit, is a visionary entrepreneur with a strong track record in building ideas into technology startups. With expertise in software entrepreneurship and brand protection, he leads Chekkit in revolutionizing supply chain transparency, safeguarding consumers, and driving innovation in the global marketplace. (Nominated by Max Kahn. First published on the Ladderworks website on April 2, 2024.)

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Ladderworks LLC.