3cat Raised $4 Million for Philippine Expansion
The Malaysia-based startup aims to capture market share in the Philippines with its pre-owned smartphone retail model.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Startups
Live Poll
Is now a good time for you to purchase second-hand electronics to save money?
Malaysia-based retailer 3cat has raised $4 million in a Series A funding round led by Foxmont Capital Partners to fuel its expansion into the Philippines. Founded in 2023, the startup currently operates more than 20 stores in Malaysia and utilizes AI sales agents for its retail operations.
Why it matters
Rising handset prices have increased demand for affordable alternatives, creating an opportunity for 3cat to enter a market where 18.4 million smartphones were sold in 2025. The company uses a standardized model that includes quality checks and 12-month warranties for its pre-owned inventory.
The firm operates a model centered on pre-owned hardware, distinguishing its inventory with a 12-month warranty. The $4 million injection follows the company's growth to over 20 stores in Malaysia.
The players
3cat
A Malaysia-based retailer operating over 20 stores that sells pre-owned devices backed by AI sales agents.
Foxmont Capital Partners
A venture capital firm focused on the Philippine market that led the Series A investment.
Asian Development Bank
A multilateral development institution that authorized $2.8 million for future funding rounds.
Golden Gate Ventures
An early-stage venture capital firm that participated in the Series A funding round.
The details
3cat combines physical storefronts with an online platform, employing AI-driven sales agents to manage customer interactions. The company maintains its inventory through rigorous quality checks, which enables the provision of a 12-month warranty on pre-owned devices. This approach addresses the affordability gap caused by climbing new handset prices.
Timeline
2023: 3cat was founded in Malaysia.
2025: 18.4 million smartphones were sold in the Philippines.
September 24, 2026: The company announced its $4 million Series A funding round.
The Tech Race
The move into the Philippines follows 3cat's expansion to over 20 stores in Malaysia. This international push positions the firm to compete for market share against existing regional retailers and secondary-market platforms.
Consumers in the Philippines may soon gain access to pre-owned devices sold with 12-month warranties. The company's expansion will initially impact buyers looking for more affordable alternatives to new, high-priced smartphones.
The takeaway
3cat is betting that a standardized warranty model for pre-owned devices can overcome consumer hesitation in high-growth emerging markets. Observers should monitor whether the firm's AI-driven sales platform scales effectively as it enters its first international market.
Further reading
For broader trends in global business growth, see Startups.
Source note: This article includes information reported by DealStreetAsia.
Live Poll
Is now a good time for you to purchase second-hand electronics to save money?
