Notable Roles | - Co-founder & CEO, Carousell (2012–present) |
Key Recognition | - Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 (2018) |
Background and Early Foundations
Quek Siu Rui was born in 1988 in Singapore. He graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, specializing in entrepreneurship. During his time at NUS, he was a recipient of the NUS Global Merit Scholarship and participated in the NUS Overseas Colleges program, spending a year at Stanford University and interning at VSee, a Silicon Valley tech startup. Inspired by the startup culture in Silicon Valley, Quek, along with Lucas Ngoo and Marcus Tan, co-founded Carousell in 2012, aiming to simplify the process of buying and selling second-hand items through a mobile-first platform.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
2012 | Co-founded Carousell; won Startup Weekend Singapore. |
2013 | Secured initial seed funding from Quest Ventures. |
2014 | Raised $6 million in Series A funding led by Sequoia India. |
2016 | Acquired Caarly to expand into the automotive marketplace. |
2019 | Merged with 701Search, expanding presence in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. |
2021 | Achieved unicorn status with a valuation of $1.1 billion after a $100 million investment led by STIC Investments. |
- Carousell Valuation (2021): $1.1 billion USD
- Total Listings: Over 250 million
- Markets Operated: 9 countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan
- Funding Raised: Over $100 million USD
Leadership Style and Influence
Quek Siu Rui is known for his user-centric approach and emphasis on simplicity and trust in online transactions. Under his leadership, Carousell has focused on making second-hand goods the first choice for consumers, promoting sustainability and community engagement. He advocates for a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, encouraging his team to innovate and respond to user feedback proactively.
Legacy and Future Focus
Quek’s vision has transformed Carousell from a local startup into a leading classifieds marketplace in Southeast Asia. He continues to focus on leveraging technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to enhance user experience and streamline transactions. Committed to sustainability, Quek aims to further promote the circular economy by making second-hand the preferred choice for consumers worldwide.
