Sasom

Sasom is a Thai online marketplace for authenticated collectible and rare items, functioning as a C2C platform for streetwear, luxury goods, and collectibles. It was founded in 2019 by Kasit Ngantavee and Gunpod Lertkomolsuk to address a gap in the Thai market, where enthusiasts previously relied on international websites with long shipping times and import taxes, or faced the risk of counterfeits on social media. CEO Kasit Ngantavee's inspiration came from his personal experiences as a sneaker collector while studying in the U.S., where he faced the difficulties of acquiring rare items and the prevalence of fraud.

The company began operations in a small condominium with only a few orders per day. A significant milestone was achieved in 2021 when Sasom secured Pre-Series A funding from Kream Corporation, a subsidiary of South Korea's Naver (the parent company of LINE), which increased its valuation to 140 million THB. This partnership provided capital and access to technology, including plans to integrate AI and machine learning for enhanced product authentication. On October 4, 2023, Sasom was acquired by KREAM, further solidifying its market position.

The business model centers on acting as a trusted intermediary. Sellers send their products to Sasom, where a team of experts authenticates every item before it is shipped to the buyer. This authentication service is a key value proposition, building trust for both parties. The platform generates revenue by facilitating these transactions, serving a community of over 500,000 monthly active users. Its target demographic is primarily Gen Z and Millennials who are interested in fashion, rare brand-name items, and collectibles like sneakers, Bearbrick art toys, apparel, and bags from brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Supreme.

Keywords: collectible marketplace, streetwear, sneaker resale, luxury goods, authentication service, C2C platform, rare items, art toys, brand-name fashion, Bearbrick, sneakerhead community, Thai startup, Kasit Ngantavee, KREAM, online retail, fashion collectibles, authenticated goods, C2C e-commerce, limited edition, fashion investment