Dubai-based entrepreneur Adnaan Jassat ties his sneaker laces with pride, reflecting on his journey to success at the young age of 21. Jassat's passion for sneakers ignited at 14, but his entrepreneurial spirit truly blossomed when he dropped out of high school in the 11th grade. Fueled by his love for sneakers, Adnaan started reselling exclusive pairs among his friends to fund his expanding collection. His relentless drive culminated in the creation of ThrillerME, one of the largest online sneaker marketplaces in the Middle East.
At just 21, the Dubai resident with South African roots is making significant strides in the region's vibrant sneaker and streetwear scene. As the founder and director of ThrillerME.com, Adnaan's journey exemplifies not only youthful ambition but also the growing consumer culture in the region. ThrillerME.com, a marketplace for sneakers, streetwear, and accessories, has quickly gained popularity across the Middle East, with a presence in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and Bahrain. Adnaan's vision is to make ThrillerME the premier platform for consumers seeking the latest trends inspired by athletes, musicians, and artists.
"We aim to provide access to consumers across multiple verticals—sneakers, collectibles, apparel, watches, bags, and electronics—to over 30+ countries in the region and around the world," says the founder and director of ThrillerME.com, outlining the brand's ambitious expansion plans. "Our vision is to be the Middle East's leading marketplace for consumers of current culture. Today, when a consumer sees something on the feet or body of an athlete, musician, or artist, they want to buy it for themselves. But the product is often unavailable from the brand or a traditional retail channel. So the consumer finds what they’re looking for on ThrillerME."
The idea for ThrillerME.com originated from Adnaan's passion for sneakers and the realization that the Middle East was underserved in this niche market. "ThrillerME.com bridged the gap in the sneaker market in the Middle East," he explains. The platform has grown exponentially, with over 55,000 users, 10,000 sellers, and 120,000 sneakers and apparel items available for purchase. Despite facing competition from established US giants, ThrillerME.com has carved out a unique niche by addressing the specific needs of the region’s consumers.
One of the keys to ThrillerME's success has been its ability to create a safe and secure environment for buying and selling. The platform’s bid/ask model, inspired by stock markets, has brought transparency and fairness that was previously missing in the resale market. "Where others saw a problem, I saw an opportunity to provide a solution," Adnaan reflects. This commitment to consumer satisfaction has earned ThrillerME.com a loyal customer base and a reputation as the largest marketplace for sneakers, streetwear, and accessories in the Middle East.
Adnaan's entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in the support he received from his family. "I was fortunate enough to have my parents as a stronghold," he shares. "They fortified that belief that allowed me to expel any disbelief and skepticism and build without boundaries." This unwavering support helped Adnaan navigate the challenges of building a business from the ground up, particularly in a competitive industry dominated by international players. Celebrity endorsements have also significantly contributed to ThrillerME's rise to prominence. By aligning the brand with well-known figures, Adnaan has elevated ThrillerME.com’s status within the sneaker and streetwear community.
"Our celebrity endorsers have certainly played a big role in our position today," he says. "This is largely due to our commitment to building a safer, stronger community within the sneaker world and resonating with the sneaker culture in the UAE." But for Adnaan, this is just the beginning. As ThrillerME.com expands its product offerings and reaches new markets, the young entrepreneur is determined to maintain the same level of authenticity and community-focused approach that has been the cornerstone of the platform’s success. "As we grow and expand our product groups, we aim to target the same audience and work with the top individuals and brands in their respective fields, as we branch out to other countries," he notes.
Adnaan’s advice to fellow young entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: believe in yourself and take action. "I believe every sovereign young individual should either be in a position to learn or earn," he says. "Take advantage of the enormous amount of information at your disposal. Learn from people who are in a position that you want to be in. Get up, get to work. To do otherwise would be a misspend, a decay to your personal, social, and professional life."
ThrillerME.com’s impact on the Middle East’s sneaker and streetwear scene cannot be understated. By providing a platform that prioritizes transparency, authenticity, and community, Adnaan Jassat has not only created a successful business but also contributed to the cultural fabric of the region. As ThrillerME.com continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a key player in shaping the future of consumer culture in the Middle East and beyond. In a world where trends move fast and consumer demands are ever-changing, ThrillerME.com stands as a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the market. For Jassat, the journey has only just begun, and the future looks incredibly bright.
