From Breaking Bad to Building a Tech Empire: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Sabba Keynejad
In the world of entrepreneurship, inspiration can strike in the most unexpected moments. For Sabba Keynejad, co-founder of the AI-powered video editing platform Veed, that spark came during a late-night brainstorming session with his flatmate, Virgil, while they were both art students in 2013. Their shared obsession with the hit TV series Breaking Bad led to a lighthearted idea that would unexpectedly turn into a profitable venture.
The Birth of a Side Hustle
It was a typical Friday evening, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming season finale of Breaking Bad was palpable. Virgil, equipped with a gas mask for spray painting, burst into Sabba’s room, exclaiming, "BREAKING BAD!" In a moment of inspiration, Sabba suggested they sell Halloween costumes inspired by the show. “We can sell it!” he declared, and thus, the idea was born.
This wasn’t Sabba’s first foray into entrepreneurship. At just 17, he had already launched a business selling American-style red cups in the UK, followed by beer pong kits. However, the Breaking Bad costumes were more of a fun side project than a serious business endeavor.
Setting Up Shop
That very night, the duo set up an eBay page to sell their Halloween costumes. They quickly sourced materials like blue gloves, DuPont chemical-grade suits, and gas masks, ensuring everything was available for next-day delivery. With a five-day lead time on their eBay listing, they were ready to take the plunge.
By morning, they had made their first two sales. “Cool,” they thought, and as the orders continued to roll in, they realized they were onto something significant. The thrill of entrepreneurship was palpable, and they were eager to see how far they could take it.
Navigating Competition with Humor
As their venture gained traction, they soon faced competition. Instead of viewing it as a threat, Sabba and Virgil decided to engage with their competitors in a lighthearted manner by messaging them Breaking Bad quotes. This playful interaction fostered a sense of community among sellers.
To differentiate themselves further, they created a unique product: fake meth made from sugar and blue food coloring, packaged in small bags. This clever addition not only enhanced their offering but also added a layer of fun to the experience. They even explored expanding to platforms like Etsy, although they faced challenges due to customization restrictions.
The Challenges of Rapid Growth
As demand surged, their flat transformed into a makeshift stockroom. Friends and flatmates joined in to help manage the growing number of orders, turning the entire experience into a communal effort. Within just one week, they had generated an impressive $14,000 in revenue, netting $3,500 each.
However, the rapid success came with its own set of challenges. The UK market quickly ran out of chemical-grade hazmat suits, forcing them to halt production. The duo had inadvertently driven up demand for a product that was primarily intended for laboratory use, highlighting the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship.
Lessons Learned and New Ventures
Fast forward to today, and Sabba Keynejad has transitioned from selling Halloween costumes to running a successful technology startup. Veed, the AI-powered video editing platform he co-founded, has garnered significant attention and investment, including a $35 million backing from Sequoia Capital. With a team of around 200 people and 10 million monthly users creating approximately three million videos each month, Veed has established itself as a leader in the video editing space.
Reflecting on his journey, Sabba acknowledges the invaluable lessons he learned during his early entrepreneurial endeavors. The skills he honed while navigating the challenges of selling Breaking Bad costumes have informed his approach to running Veed today. The creativity, adaptability, and resilience he developed as a young entrepreneur continue to shape his business philosophy.
A Journey of Growth
Sabba’s story is a testament to the unpredictable yet exhilarating nature of entrepreneurship. From a simple idea inspired by a beloved TV show to building a thriving tech company, his journey illustrates how passion and creativity can lead to unexpected opportunities. As he continues to innovate in the tech space, Sabba Keynejad remains a shining example of how the seeds of entrepreneurship can be sown in the most unlikely of circumstances.