CADO raises $4.5M pre-seed to expand its luxury gifting platform from the UAE to global markets, starting with Saudi Arabia and New York.
UAE-based luxury gifting platform CADO has raised $4.5 million in a pre-seed funding round, setting the stage for rapid regional and global expansion in the premium gifting space.
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The round drew participation from Sanabil 500, a German family office, and several angel investors, signaling strong investor confidence in its mission to reshape how gifting is experienced and shared across the region.
CADO plans to use the newly raised funds to expand operations in Saudi Arabia, building a fully integrated gifting ecosystem that connects artisans, suppliers, and investors.
In addition, the company will launch its first international hub in New York, marking the beginning of its global expansion strategy.
Founded in Dubai by Leila Al Marashi, CADO started with a three-person team and has since grown to establish a footprint across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United States.
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The platform blends creativity, technology, and logistics to deliver a seamless corporate and personal gifting experience, bringing together innovation and emotion to redefine luxury gifting in the Arab world.
“At CADO, we believe gifting should feel personal yet effortless, powered by technology, but rooted in human connection,” said Leila Al Marashi, Founder and CEO.
CADO’s rise represents more than just another funding win; it reflects a shift toward emotional tech and digital luxury emerging from the MENA region.
By digitizing premium gifting and scaling it globally, CADO is positioning the UAE as a creative commerce hub that bridges culture, technology, and innovation.
For MENA startups, this underscores how niche verticals, like gifting, wellness, and experience-based platforms, are gaining investor traction, proving that emotional value can drive serious growth.
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