Saudi live-shopping startup Rwaj raises $1.2 million

Saudi startup Rwaj has raised SAR 4.5 million, or about $1.2 million, in an early pre-seed round whose investors were not disclosed. Its idea is to bring the informal live selling already common on social media into one app: sellers can demonstrate products on video, offer them at a set price or run a timed auction, and buyers can bid in real time. The platform also holds payment until delivery is confirmed and connects sellers with shipping services, addressing the trust and administrative problems of arranging sales through messages and bank transfers. Rwaj plans to use the funding to improve the product, grow its marketplace and expand regionally.