RIYADH — When a Saudi entrepreneur decided to buy a Mercedes S-Class, he didn’t turn to a local dealer. Instead, he signed an online contract with the European platform f1rst.auction. The deal was simple: 10% down payment, the balance after shipping confirmation. Thirty-eight days later, the car was delivered to the port of Jeddah.
“I’m used to working with banks and real estate, but this process turned out to be faster than either,” he said.
Such stories illustrate the growing popularity of f1rst.auction, a platform that gives private investors access to four segments — cars, containers, mineral resources, and luxury goods.
Real Assets Instead of Abstractions
In recent years, investors have been shifting away from stock markets toward real assets. Market volatility and high inflation have made traditional instruments less predictable.
According to PwC, the global market for alternative investments could reach $23 trillion by 2030. Models like f1rst.auction are becoming increasingly relevant.
Cars: Fast Entry into the System
The automotive segment is the entry point for most clients.
- Deal format: remote contract, 10% down payment, final payment after shipping confirmation.
- Delivery times: 14–18 days within Europe, 37–39 days to the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
- Popular models: Range Rover, Lexus LX600, Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
For clients, this is a way to get cars faster and cheaper than through local dealers.
Containers: Rental Income
Another segment is shipping containers.
An investor from Bahrain bought two containers and receives monthly payouts to his bank account. “It’s more stable than a deposit and more liquid than real estate,” he says.
Returns range from 15% to 35% per month. With global shipping demand rising (+12% in 2024 according to Drewry), this market remains attractive.
Resources: Betting on the Future
The most ambitious segment of the platform is minerals and precious metals.
- Gold: entry from €300,000, returns up to 36% per month.
- Lithium: from €750,000, returns up to 41%.
- Palladium & Platinum: from €850,000, returns up to 42.5%.
- Rare stones: from €1 million, returns up to 48%.
Investors receive official documents confirming their stake in real projects — mines or processing facilities.
Analysts note that demand for lithium is expected to grow fivefold by 2030. This explains investor interest from London and the Gulf region.
Luxury: Capitalizing on Style
The platform also provides access to European luxury auctions.
Rolex watches or Cartier jewelry become not only symbols of status but also long-term investments. The luxury market grows 8–10% annually.
A client from Dubai comments: “I bought a watch that can be passed on to my children. It’s both style and capital.”
Financial Flexibility
Investors value the platform’s payment flexibility.
- SWIFT transfers are used for gold, diamonds, and cars.
- USDT is preferred for containers, lithium, and palladium.
According to f1rst.auction, over 40% of deals are already conducted in cryptocurrency. In the Gulf, this figure is even higher — around 50%.
Competition and Risks
The market already features major players like Copart, Sotheby’s, and Christie’s. But they specialize in single segments. The advantage of f1rst.auction lies in its multi-sector model.
Still, risks remain:
- Commodity price fluctuations (lithium swung 60% in 2023–2024),
- Geopolitical factors (sanctions, export restrictions),
- Regulation of crypto transactions.
Nevertheless, diversification reduces vulnerability.
Example Strategy
An entrepreneur from the UAE began with a car purchase, then invested in containers, and later in a platinum project.
Today, his portfolio includes:
- a Lexus LX600,
- three containers generating rental income,
- a platinum investment yielding over 40% per month.
“I received my car quickly. Containers provide monthly income. Platinum is a bet on the future. Together, it works,” he says.
Conclusion: A New Investment Model
f1rst.auction reflects a clear trend: investors are moving away from traditional markets toward real assets.
- Cars ensure liquidity.
- Containers deliver stability.
- Resources generate high returns.
- Luxury preserves prestige and long-term value.
For clients in Europe and the Gulf states, it’s a convenient way to diversify portfolios. For the platform itself, it’s a step toward building a new ecosystem where digital contracts connect investors with physical assets.
The key question is whether this model can stand the test of time. For now, client stories show that demand for real assets is growing — and f1rst.auction is carving out its place in the new architecture of capital.