Premium corporate gifting startup CADO has raised $4.5 million in pre-seed funding, led by Sanabil 500, to fuel its expansion in Saudi Arabia and set up operations in New York.
The round also saw participation from a German family office and several high-net-worth individuals and angel investors.
Founded in 2019 by Leila Al Marashi, CADO aims to modernise the art of corporate gifting through a blend of technology, creativity and logistics. The Dubai-based startup, which started with a three-member team, now operates across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the US.
“Corporate gifting has long needed innovation. Our vision is to make gifting effortless, personalised and meaningful by combining tech with creativity,” said Al Marashi, founder and CEO of CADO.
High-Profile Clientele of CADO
CADO has already built a strong client base of over 500 companies, including luxury brands such as Cartier, Gucci and Ralph Lauren, as well as corporates like Netflix, LinkedIn and American Express. Its platform enables firms to curate and send personalised gifts efficiently, aligning brand identity with regional and cultural sensibilities.
According to Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner at Sanabil 500, the firm is “redefining modern gifting to reflect today’s connected world by merging creativity, technology and cultural relevance.” Investors view the company’s approach as a bridge between technology and human connection, an angle that’s resonating in corporate culture globally.
Scaling Beyond the Gulf
With its fresh capital, CADO plans to strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia, developing a network of artisans, suppliers and local partners to create a sustainable gifting ecosystem.
The startup also intends to enter the New York market, allowing it to serve multinational clients from the US while showcasing Middle Eastern craftsmanship on a global stage.
The expansion strategy signals a shift from being a regional player to building what Al Marashi describes as “a global gifting powerhouse emerging from the Middle East.”
CADO’s debut on Shark Tank UAE earlier this year thrust the young brand into the spotlight, drawing interest from both customers and investors intrigued by its take on corporate gifting. The new funding round now gives that buzz real backing, turning visibility into momentum as CADO ramps up its tech and logistics backbone.
With a blend of curated luxury, smart personalization, and smooth delivery, the startup is carving out a niche far beyond the reach of typical mass-market gift platforms.
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