- CADO, UAE-based premium gifting platform, raised USD 4.5M in pre-seed funding led by Sanabil 500 and global investors.
- Founded by Leila Al Marashi, CADO digitalizes corporate gifting across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the US.
- The new funding will fuel Saudi expansion, build a creative community ecosystem, and support its international growth starting in New York.
CADO
CADO, the UAE-founded premium gifting platform, raised USD 4.5 million in a pre-seed funding round. The round included participation from Sanabil 500, a venture capital and startup acceleration initiative in the MENA region. It also saw participation from a German family office, and a group of high-net-worth and angel investors.
Founded by Leila Al Marashi, CADO is a premium corporate gifting platform aiming to transform how the world connects through gifts. It began as a 3 person startup and has since scaled operations across the UAE, Saudi, Kuwait, and the US. The platform digitalises and elevates the gifting experience, merging creativity, logistics, and technology to make corporate gifting smart, and effortless.
“When I started CADO, my vision was to modernise and elevate the art of gifting; to blend innovation with meaning and make every gesture effortless yet deeply personal,” said Leila Al Marashi, Founder and CEO of CADO.
Expansion
Up next with the new funding, it aims to accelerate its expansion in Saudi Arabia. It is also seeking to develop a community ecosystem linking artisans, artists, suppliers, and investors. Additionally, it aims to fuel the company’s international growth, beginning with its launch in New York.
“Our expansion into Saudi Arabia has been an inspiring part of our journey, where we’re building an ecosystem that connects artisans, suppliers, and businesses with a shared commitment to excellence and creativity,”said Leila Al Marashi, Founder and CEO of CADO.
Following its appearance on Shark Tank UAE and the launch of its New York operations, CADO aims to bridge local craftsmanship with global innovation.
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