Revibe Secures $17M to Expand Refurbished Electronics Market in MENA

Revibe, a refurbished electronics marketplace based in Dubai, has recently secured $17 million in new funding. The investment was led by Partech, a global technology investment firm based in Paris, with additional participation from e& Capital, a firm based in Abu Dhabi, Burda Principal Investments from Berlin, and EQNX, which is based in Dubai, along with other existing investors.

Founded in 2022 by Abdessamad Benzakour and Hamza Iraqui in the UAE, Revibe operates a regional marketplace that specializes in selling refurbished smartphones, laptops, and other electronics. The company provides consumers with a vetted, warranty-backed alternative to purchasing new devices. It has expanded its operations across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and South Africa, focusing on a business-to-customer (B2C) model that emphasizes strict device testing, transparent pricing, strong warranties, and a service approach designed to build long-term trust.

The recent funding comes after Revibe's $7 million Series A round in 2024. This latest raise occurs at a time when refurbished electronics are gaining more traction in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The founders have been working to accelerate this shift since the company's inception. In an interview, Iraqui emphasized that Revibe aims to provide customers with devices that feel "as good as new" by offering high-quality refurbished electronics at prices well below retail.

A significant challenge in turning Revibe’s mission into everyday consumer behavior has involved addressing long-standing misconceptions around refurbished devices. Iraqui explained that one of the biggest barriers in markets like the UAE and GCC has been trust—many consumers equate “refurbished” with “second-hand and risky.” He noted that by combining transparent quality processes, such as inspection and warranty, with a seamless online purchase and after-sales experience, customers start to view refurbished devices not as a compromise, but as a smart, sustainable, and reliable alternative.

To achieve this, Revibe ensures that all devices undergo a rigorous selection and refurbishing process, followed by a 50-point inspection before being sold. Additionally, all devices come with a one-year warranty, providing customers with "a premium, trust-first buying experience." Despite initial resistance, Iraqui observed that customers are increasingly purchasing refurbished devices, reflecting a broader shift in the second-hand market for electronics.

"The growth in demand, expansion into new geographies, and repeat purchases suggest that refurbished devices are shifting from a fallback option to a mainstream, considered choice—especially among cost- and value-conscious consumers across the region," he said.

Central to Revibe’s growth strategy is its dual-market structure, with Dubai serving as the company’s strategic and commercial base, while Egypt anchors the refurbishment, logistics, and quality-control functions in a cost-efficient, talent-rich environment. This model allows Revibe to balance cost-effective, scalable operations with a premium brand and customer experience tailored to Gulf and international markets, giving it a competitive edge over purely local players.

Iraqui also pointed out that the growing appetite for refurbished electronics is one of the factors that attracted investors to Revibe. This round of funding is set to support the company’s expansion. "This fresh capital gives us the means to scale up quality control, enhance service, and expand into new markets across the Gulf and emerging regions," he said. "Having these investors on board brings more than money: it brings strategic backing and credibility—especially useful when you are trying to shift consumer perceptions of refurbished electronics."

The backing reinforces the legitimacy of Revibe and underscores investor belief in the refurbished-tech category in the MENA region. This structure also supports a wider paradigm shift toward an environmentally conscious, circular consumption model that Revibe hopes to accelerate across the region.

"Revibe is positioned as a leading player in what media describe as the ‘circular-tech’ movement: instead of buying new devices and contributing to electronic waste, customers can choose reliable refurbished electronics—at a lower cost and with a lower environmental footprint," Iraqui explained. "By delivering ‘like-new’ devices via a controlled, quality-first marketplace model—rather than a fragmented peer-to-peer resale approach—Revibe aims to redefine what ‘refurbished’ means in the MENA: not second-best, but a smart, sustainable, and trustworthy way to consume tech."

Pictured in the lead image are Revibe co-founders Abdessamad Benzakour (L) and Hamza Iraqui (R). Image courtesy Revibe.