Rwaj, a Jeddah-based startup founded in 2024 by Taher Alblowe, has secured $1.2 million (SAR 4.5 million) in pre-seed funding. The identity of the investors was not disclosed. The company operates a platform combining livestreaming, bidding, payments and shipping in a single application.
Sellers use Rwaj to broadcast products to buyers in real time, offering them at fixed prices or through timed auctions where buyers can bid. The platform targets products that benefit from live demonstrations rather than focusing on a single category. Buyers can use Mada cards, Apple Pay or other cards to purchase items.
The startup holds payments in escrow until buyers confirm delivery and handles shipping through integrated carriers. The platform includes social features allowing buyers to follow sellers, discover new merchants and receive notifications about future livestreams.
Rwaj will use the funding to accelerate product development and expand across the Middle East region.
