Malaysian startup 3cat has raised fresh capital in a Pre-Series A round to scale its omnichannel platform for used electronics, aiming to accelerate regional expansion and formalize the circular electronics market in Southeast Asia.
The round was backed by The Radical Fund, AEON, and returning investors Iterative, TA Ventures, and TheVentures.
The funding will support the company’s plans to grow its retail footprint to nearly 100 stores across Malaysia and establish a vertically integrated refurbishment center in Kuala Lumpur, per the announcement.
Founded in 2023, 3cat addresses the fragmented and often unreliable secondhand electronics market by offering certified, high-quality devices through both physical stores and a digital platform.
Within its first year, the company said it opened more than 20 outlets, targeting price-sensitive and sustainability-conscious consumers.
In addition to retail expansion, the company is introducing embedded services such as device protection, financing, and mobile plans to improve customer retention and boost unit economics.
The venture aligns with circular economy goals by reducing electronic waste and lowering carbon emissions, while also providing affordable access to refurbished devices in emerging markets.
Malaysia’s secondhand smartphone market, valued at an estimated US$800 million by 2026, remains underpenetrated relative to global benchmarks.
3cat plans to position Malaysia as a global hub for certified electronics repair and processing, aiming to create over 10,000 skilled jobs and drive multi-billion-dollar export opportunities in line with the country’s MADANI sustainability framework.
The company’s leadership team brings extensive experience in e-commerce, supply chain, and mobile retail, with multiple successful exits, positioning 3cat as a key player in Southeast Asia’s growing circular tech economy.
Business News Asia