
Founded in 2012, Carousell is a Singapore-based mobile classifieds startup that enables users to buy, sell, and discover second-hand goods quickly through an easy-to-use app. The platform focuses on local communities, making it simple for users to trade items such as electronics, fashion, furniture, and vehicles.
Carousell’s mission is to empower individuals to declutter, reuse, and find great deals, fostering a sustainable, community-driven marketplace across Southeast Asia.
Carousell was founded by Quek Siu Rui, Lucas Ngoo, and Marcus Tan while they were students at the National University of Singapore.
The founders identified a problem: traditional online classifieds were clunky, slow, and unattractive, making it hard for people to sell items quickly. Their vision was to create a mobile-first platform that is fast, intuitive, and community-focused, turning second-hand trading into a seamless experience.
Carousell has grown rapidly with support from venture capital:
Carousell has become a major player in mobile commerce, particularly in Southeast Asia.
Carousell uses a mobile-first, community-driven model:
By combining mobile convenience with community engagement, Carousell has made second-hand trading accessible and appealing to millions.
Carousell has transformed how people buy and sell goods in Southeast Asia:
Carousell shows how a simple, community-focused mobile app can disrupt traditional commerce in a fast-growing region.
Carousell faces challenges typical of online marketplaces:
The startup mitigates these challenges with AI-driven verification, user ratings, and secure transaction systems.
Carousell continues to innovate and expand:
For entrepreneurs, Carousell demonstrates how a simple, user-focused mobile app can scale rapidly and transform commerce in developing markets.
From a Singapore university project to a Southeast Asian e-commerce powerhouse, Carousell is redefining how people buy and sell second-hand goods. With mobile convenience, community focus, and AI-driven features, it has created a sustainable, accessible, and engaging marketplace. Its story highlights the potential of technology-driven solutions to empower individuals and transform regional commerce.









