CADO Secures .5 Million Pre-Seed Funding to Transform the Global Gifting Landscape
In an impressive demonstration of the potent entrepreneurial spirit flourishing in the United Arab Emirates, CADO, a high-end gifting platform founded in Dubai, has successfully secured a significant .5 million in pre-seed funding. This milestone, announced recently, underscores CADO’s ambition to revolutionize the global gifting economy, blending modern technology with heartfelt customer experiences. The funding round drew significant interest from various entities, including Sanabil 500—a venture capital and startup acceleration initiative devoted to enhancing the MENA region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as a German family office and multiple high-net-worth individuals and angel investors.
Founded by the visionary Leila Al Marashi, CADO has evolved from a compact three-person startup into a robust regional leader with a formidable presence across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United States. CADO’s innovative platform distinguishes itself by digitalizing the gifting experience, seamlessly integrating creativity, logistics, and technology to create a corporate gifting service that is not only efficient but deeply personal.
“When I started CADO, my vision was to modernize and elevate the art of gifting,” said Leila Al Marashi, who currently serves as both the founder and CEO of the company. “My goal was to blend innovation with meaning, ensuring that every gesture becomes both effortless and significant.” As part of CADO’s journey, its expansion into the Saudi Arabian market has garnered particular enthusiasm, showcasing the company’s devotion to establishing a vibrant ecosystem that connects local artisans, suppliers, and businesses. This community-centric approach emphasizes a shared commitment to excellence and creativity—a theme that resonates with CADO’s overarching mission.
CADO’s impressive client portfolio speaks volumes about the platform’s reputation and efficacy, featuring over 500 repeat partnerships with industry titans such as Julius Baer, Cartier, Netflix, Van Cleef & Arpels, Gucci, Boucheron, Accor Hotels, Jumeirah Group, Net-a-Porter, Ralph Lauren, LinkedIn, TikTok, ExecuJet, and American Express. These affiliations not only validate CADO’s capacity to cater to high standards but also reflect its ability to curate unique gifting experiences that appeal to a diverse clientele.
The newly acquired funding will facilitate CADO’s continued expansion within the Saudi Arabian market, where it aims to cultivate a community ecosystem linking artisans and suppliers with investors keen to support artistic initiatives. Furthermore, this influx of capital will bolster the company’s international strategy, paving the way for its debut in New York—a pivotal move that will allow CADO to extend its influence beyond the Middle East.
Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner at Sanabil 500, commented on CADO’s innovative approach, stating, “CADO is redefining what modern gifting means for today’s connected world. Their model merges creativity, technology, and cultural relevance—creating a new global category rooted in human connection.” Such endorsement from industry leaders highlights CADO’s commitment to blending traditional sincerity with contemporary efficiency, and marks its potential to lead a new wave in the gifting economy.
In addition to the substantial funding, CADO has gained visibility through its participation in the popular entrepreneurial television show “Shark Tank UAE,” which has brought much attention to its innovative business model. This exposure, coupled with the launch of its New York operations, positions CADO as a pioneer—a prospective global powerhouse in the gifting industry hailing from the Middle East, artfully bridging local craftsmanship with global innovation.
As CADO charts its ambitious path forward, it exemplifies how startups in the MENA region are embracing technology and creativity to redefine established sectors. This evolution not only signifies potential economic growth and diversification within the region but also showcases the potential to resonate on an international scale.
In conclusion, CADO’s journey is one of inspiration and innovation, indicating a bright future for the intersection of technology, culture, and personal connection in the gifting economy. With its strategic focus on community and expansion, CADO stands poised to set new standards in gifting, making every gesture not just a transaction, but a meaningful experience.
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