3cat, a Malaysian omnichannel platform for used electronics, has raised new funding in a Pre-Series A round to expand its retail network, build in-house repair operations, and accelerate digital platform growth across Southeast Asia.
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian startup 3cat has raised fresh capital in a Pre-Series A funding round to expand its omnichannel platform for used electronics, setting its sights on transforming the fragmented secondhand market in Southeast Asia. The round, backed by The Radical Fund, AEON and returning investors Iterative, TA Ventures and TheVentures, will underwrite the company’s plans to grow to nearly 100 retail outlets nationwide and to open a vertically integrated refurbishment center in Kuala Lumpur.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Backing from Leading Funds and Retailers
3cat’s Pre-Series A round, disclosed on Wednesday, brings new and existing backers together in support of the firm’s mission to formalize the circular electronics economy. The Radical Fund—an early investor—joined AEON, a major Malaysian retailer, alongside Iterative, TA Ventures and TheVentures. The infusion of capital follows 3cat’s successful seed and angel rounds in 2023, underscoring investor confidence in the startup’s rapid traction and market potential.
Founded last year, 3cat addresses deep-rooted challenges in Southeast Asia’s secondhand electronics market, where fragmentation and counterfeit risks have long eroded consumer confidence. By offering certified, high-quality devices through both physical stores and a seamless online platform, the startup has opened more than 20 outlets in its first year. Its omnichannel approach targets price-sensitive and sustainability-conscious consumers, delivering transparent grading, warranties and quality assurance.
“Consumer trust is critical in the secondhand electronics industry, and Southeast Asia has lacked a reliable brand with assured quality for far too long,” said Karl Loo, 3cat co-founder. “At 3cat, we’re building Malaysia’s most trusted omnichannel platform for secondhand tech—while reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste.”
Embedded Services to Boost Retention and Unit Economics
To increase customer lifetime value, 3cat is rolling out embedded services alongside device sales. Offerings will include device protection plans, financing options and prepaid mobile plans—all designed to deepen engagement and improve unit economics. These services will be integrated both in-store and online, creating a comprehensive after-sales ecosystem that keeps customers returning and drives incremental revenue.
3cat’s business model dovetails with broader sustainability objectives. By refurbishing and recirculating electronics, the company not only diverts e-waste from landfills but also lowers carbon emissions associated with new device manufacturing. As emerging markets grapple with mounting electronic waste, 3cat offers an affordable, environmentally friendly alternative—positioning itself at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s circular tech economy.
Malaysia’s secondhand smartphone market is projected to reach US$800 million by 2026 but remains underpenetrated compared with global standards. 3cat aims to capture a significant share by expanding its retail footprint to nearly 100 stores and establishing in-house refurbishment capabilities. The new Kuala Lumpur center will consolidate repair operations, quality control and logistics, enabling faster turnaround times and higher margins.
Vision for Regional Leadership and Job Creation
Looking beyond national borders, 3cat envisions Malaysia as a global hub for certified electronics repair and processing. The company projects the creation of over 10,000 skilled jobs in refurbishment and logistics and plans to drive multi-billion-dollar export opportunities aligned with the government’s MADANI sustainability framework. By formalizing a previously informal sector, 3cat expects to unlock significant economic and environmental value across Southeast Asia.
3cat’s founding team brings deep expertise in e-commerce, supply chain management and mobile retail, with multiple successful exits under their belts. Their combined track records have helped the startup forge partnerships with major investors and retail channels, positioning 3cat as a credible player in a nascent market.
As 3cat embarks on its Pre-Series A-backed expansion, the company stands poised to redefine circular consumption in Southeast Asia—balancing consumer affordability, environmental stewardship and robust growth. With nearly 100 stores on the horizon and a state-of-the-art refurbishment center in the works, 3cat is charting a course toward a more sustainable, trust-driven electronics ecosystem.
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