4Sale International
Kuwait's largest online classifieds marketplace for goods.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
* | N/A | Growth Equity VC | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
4Sale is an online classifieds platform operating primarily in Kuwait, enabling users to buy, sell, and rent a wide variety of goods and services. The company was founded by CEO Tarek Sakr, who, after a frustrating experience purchasing a used car in 2004, acquired the IP for an automotive listings site in 2006 with partners, which eventually evolved into the general classifieds platform, 4Sale, in 2014. This move was inspired by the realization that the convenience of online car listings could be applied to all classifieds, aiming to disrupt the then-dominant print classifieds market.
The platform serves a broad market, connecting millions of users for both consumer-to-consumer and business-to-consumer transactions. It features extensive categories, including automotive, property, electronics, and various services like cleaning, contracting, and transportation. The automotive vertical remains a significant and successful segment, bolstered by partnerships with local dealerships and the introduction of 'Worry-Free' packages that include premium placement and professional inspections. In 2023, the company launched 4Sale Realty, a dedicated vertical for real estate rentals.
4Sale's business model generates revenue through four main verticals: consumer ad placements, which account for the majority of income; commercial business listings; on-page advertisements; and 4Sale Realty. Users can post a limited number of ads for free and then pay fees for additional listings, particularly for high-value items like vehicles and property. The company has demonstrated strong financial performance, reporting an 11% revenue increase in its consumer division for 2023 and a 61% growth in office listing revenue for 2024. In 2018, NBK Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in the company, providing strategic support for its growth.
Keywords: online marketplace, classifieds platform, Kuwait commerce, e-commerce, automotive sales, property listings, peer-to-peer sales, online services, digital marketplace, real estate technology, vehicle marketplace, consumer-to-consumer, buy and sell, rental services, local commerce, mobile commerce, 4Sale Realty, Tarek Sakr