“As good as fresh”: This S’pore startup cracked year-round Mao Shan Wang & sold 4K boxes in 5 mths

Christopher Quek, a 48-year-old venture capitalist and founder of TRIVE, invested S$250,000 to launch Spike Durian in December 2024, aiming to provide premium Mao Shan Wang durians year-round. The startup uses Agrifreeze’s electromagnetic field (EMF) freezing technology, which produces small, rounded ice crystals to preserve texture and flavor, making thawed durians nearly indistinguishable from fresh ones. After 18 months of development, Spike Durian secured durians exclusively from six plantations in Pahang, Malaysia, known for their high-elevation, naturally ripened fruits. Spike Durian sources durians only after they fall naturally into nets below the trees, ensuring optimal flavor and quality. The startup’s direct-to-consumer model has already sold 4,000 boxes in five months, despite its niche focus. Quek, who previously backed mobility and EV startups through TRIVE, described the venture as a personal mission after struggling to find Mao Shan Wang during his wife’s pregnancy 15 years ago. The S$255,810 investment in Spike Durian was one of TRIVE’s smallest bets, contrasting with its typical US$5–10 million funding rounds. Quek partnered with Marcus Choy, a former TRIVE employee, to oversee operations. While unconventional for a venture capital firm, Quek views the project as a fulfillment of his entrepreneurial ambitions after a decade of funding others. Pahang’s plantations were chosen for their ideal elevation, rainfall balance, and older trees, which enhance flavor complexity. The natural ripening process further distinguishes Spike Durian’s product from competitors in Thailand and Vietnam, where durians are often pre-cut for shelf life. The startup’s success highlights the growing demand for premium, year-round durian access in Singapore’s competitive market.