Collectionair

Collectionair operates as an online, curated marketplace focused on fine art from emerging markets, with a notable emphasis on the Middle East and Africa. Founded in 2015 by Olivier Varenne and Valerie Konde, the Abu Dhabi-based company provides a platform for art enthusiasts to discover, purchase, rent, and even swap artworks. This model serves both new buyers, who receive guidance through the acquisition process, and experienced collectors looking to diversify their portfolios.

The company's foundation stems from the founders' backgrounds in the art world. Varenne is a curator and art professional, while Konde brings her experience to the operational and strategic aspects of the business. Their shared vision was to create a global gateway for art from regions that are often underrepresented in the mainstream art market. The business generates revenue through the sale, rental, and swapping of artworks on its platform, catering to a global community of collectors, curators, and artists.

Collectionair secured initial funding through the Flat6Labs accelerator program in Abu Dhabi in 2015. This was followed by a Series A funding round in March 2016, which saw investment from twofour54, a media and entertainment hub in Abu Dhabi, and DASH Ventures, a Jordan-based early-stage venture capital firm. These investments were aimed at expanding the team, growing its network of art-sourcing partners, and bolstering marketing efforts to build a sustainable sales pipeline.

Keywords: online art marketplace, fine art, emerging markets, Middle East art, African art, art collectors, art rental, art swapping, curated art, Olivier Varenne, Valerie Konde, Flat6Labs, twofour54, DASH Ventures, art investment, contemporary art, art acquisition, global art platform, Abu Dhabi startup, art curation