CADO, the UAE-founded premium corporate gifting platform, has announced a successful $4.5 million pre-seed funding round aimed at fueling its regional expansion in Saudi Arabia and launching operations in New York. The round was led by Sanabil 500, alongside a German family office and a consortium of high-net-worth individuals and angel investors.
Founded by Leila Al Marashi, CADO is on a mission to reimagine corporate gifting through a seamless digital experience that merges artistry, logistics, and smart technology. What started as a modest three-person operation has grown into a dynamic cross-border platform, now active in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United States.
“When I started CADO, my vision was to modernize 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.
Smart Gifting for the Modern Business World
CADO caters to over 500 corporate clients, including global brands such as Netflix, Cartier, LinkedIn, TikTok, Gucci, Julius Baer, and American Express. The platform distinguishes itself by offering curated, high-end gifting solutions, while also enabling companies to connect directly with artisans and suppliers. This creates a gifting experience that’s not only premium and personalized but also ethically sourced and culturally relevant.
“Their model merges creativity, technology, and cultural relevance, creating a new global category rooted in human connection,” said Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner at Sanabil 500.
Expansion Plans: Saudi Arabia and New York on the Horizon
With the fresh injection of capital, CADO plans to double down on its presence in Saudi Arabia, a market that has shown strong appetite for premium B2B services. The company is building a community-driven ecosystem in the Kingdom that links local artisans, suppliers, and businesses, with a shared emphasis on craftsmanship and innovation.
At the same time, CADO is setting its sights on the United States, with an official launch in New York slated for the coming months. This marks a major milestone for the startup as it enters one of the most competitive corporate gifting markets in the world.
“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,” Al Marashi added.
Riding the Momentum from Shark Tank UAE
CADO gained wider attention following its appearance on Shark Tank UAE, where it impressed investors and viewers alike with its scalable business model and cultural appeal. Since then, the startup has continued to grow its team, enhance its tech infrastructure, and diversify its product offerings.
What’s Next for CADO?
Looking ahead, the company plans to:
- Expand further into MENA and North American markets
- Launch AI-driven personalization tools for gifting preferences
- Strengthen its network of local and global artisans
- Integrate more sustainable and eco-conscious packaging solutions
CADO’s success underscores the rising demand for experiential and thoughtful corporate gifting, particularly in a world where remote work and digital connections have made emotional resonance in business relationships more valuable than ever.
About CADO
CADO is a UAE-founded premium corporate gifting platform that blends creativity, logistics, and technology to offer seamless, meaningful gifting solutions for businesses. Operating in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the US, CADO is redefining how companies express appreciation, build relationships, and support artisans globally.