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  • Meet The Technology That Can Keep Durians and More Truly Fresh All Year Round [TBS 54]

    Meet The Technology That Can Keep Durians and More Truly Fresh All Year Round [TBS 54]
    2026/03/24

    Can technology make seasonal food available all year round without losing its freshness?

    We sit down with Christopher Quek, VC, entrepreneur, and founder of Spike Durian, to explore how a simple obsession with durian led to an unexpected startup opportunity.

    After two decades investing in startups, Christopher decided to jump back into the arena. What followed was a fascinating journey into food technology, AI-assisted freezing methods, and building a new kind of durian business.

    From finding suppliers in Malaysia to launching the company in just three months, this episode dives deep into the entrepreneurial mindset behind spotting opportunities others overlook.

    But the conversation goes far beyond durian.

    We explore:

    • What investors really look for in startups
    • The challenges of commercializing new technology
    • How founders test product-market fit
    • The surprising customer segment that embraced this idea
    • And why Southeast Asia might be the next big growth story for entrepreneurs

    If you're a startup founder, SME owner, investor, or just curious about how businesses are built, this episode is packed with insights.



    ---


    🎧 The Financial Coconut:

    Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.


    Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut


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    ⚠️ Disclaimer:

    The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

    Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    45 分
  • The Boring Business Of Vending Machines, Made Interesting Again [TBS 53]

    The Boring Business Of Vending Machines, Made Interesting Again [TBS 53]
    2026/03/17
    ☕ Can a vending machine make café-quality coffee?In this episode of The Financial Coconuts Business Show, we sit down with the founders of Flow Coffee, a startup challenging Singapore’s coffee scene with an unexpected idea: coffee vending machines that serve café-grade drinks made with fresh milk.After noticing how expensive and inconvenient good coffee can be, Chang Wei Sheng (Founder & CEO) and Jarran Ng (Co-Founder & COO) set out to build a smarter solution, combining automation, technology, and clever operations to make quality coffee more accessible.In less than a year, they’ve deployed 20 machines across Singapore - but the journey to get there involved engineering challenges, manufacturing hurdles, and plenty of experimentation.In this episode, we talk about:🔹 Why good coffee is getting more expensive🔹 The idea behind café-style coffee vending machines🔹 How they went from concept to 20 machines in under a year🔹 The technology powering their automated coffee system🔹 Lessons from building a hardware + operations startup🔹 The challenges of scaling a physical product business🔹 What it takes to disrupt a traditional industryIf you’re an entrepreneur, SME owner, or startup builder, this episode is packed with insights about launching and scaling a real-world business.🎧 Tune in to hear the full story behind Flow Coffee.Guests:Chang Wei Sheng, Founder & CEO, Flow CoffeeJarran Ng, Co-Founder & COO, Flow Coffee👍 Like this episode?Subscribe to The Financial Coconuts Business Show for more conversations with founders, operators, and SME leaders.#startup #entrepreneurship #coffee #vendingmachine #businesspodcast---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ Disclaimer:The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    42 分
  • The Business of Keeping Things Fresh in the Philippines [TBS 52]

    The Business of Keeping Things Fresh in the Philippines [TBS 52]
    2026/03/10
    What if the reason your food isn’t fresher isn’t the farm, but everything in between?In this episode, we dive into a business almost nobody dreams of starting, yet it quietly powers entire cities. Think traffic jams, melting margins, broken fridges, and a problem so hidden that most consumers never even notice it.Here’s what we’re unpacking:Why traffic in Metro Manila became a business opportunityThe surprising gap in the “invisible road” your food travels before it reaches youHow a 40% energy efficiency breakthrough sparked something much biggerThe pivot that changed everything, from selling cold rooms to renting them by the boxWhy small businesses were willing to pay before the product even landedThe harsh lessons of trying to sell to big corporations, and why it nearly didn’t workWhy the Philippines, not Singapore, became the launchpadAnd joining us are:Jonathan Harvey, a food industry veteran who’s spent over 15 years across Southeast Asia uncovering gaps in the region’s cold chain infrastructureJoe Khoo, a former early-stage tech employee with a six-figure exit, who pivoted from VR hardware and sustainability projects into building energy-efficient, self-serve cold hubsTogether, they’re building something deceptively simple, but potentially game-changing for SMEs, food security, and climate tech.It’s scrappy.It’s technical.It’s capital-heavy.And it almost didn’t work.If you’ve ever wondered how real founders navigate pivots, funding trade-offs, family responsibilities, and finding product-market fit in an unsexy industry, this episode is for you.Tune in.---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ Disclaimer:The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    47 分
  • You Must Watch This Before Starting An Agency [TBS 51]

    You Must Watch This Before Starting An Agency [TBS 51]
    2026/03/03

    Are you thinking about starting your own marketing agency? Well, think again! It’s not as easy as setting up a company and getting your friends to help out.

    We dive into the ups and downs of running a digital marketing agency with none other than Marcus Ho, founder of Brew Interactive, who's been at it for 17 years.

    Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

    • How Marcus started his journey from scratch during his National Service days and built a thriving agency.
    • The real challenges behind starting an agency (hint: it’s not just about getting clients!)
    • What happens when you sell your business and regret it? Marcus shares his post-acquisition story and how he took back control of his agency.
    • The secret sauce of growing and maintaining a successful agency
    • And how Brew Interactive managed to stay afloat and grow through challenging times, including using unconventional methods like referral marketing.

    If you’ve ever thought about jumping into the marketing world or running your own agency, you won’t want to miss this episode. Tune in to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes!

    🎧 Listen now!



    ---


    🎧 The Financial Coconut:

    Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.


    Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut


    📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

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    🔗 CONNECT WITH US

    Get daily tips, insights, and community:

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    Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube


    ⚠️ Disclaimer:

    The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

    Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    48 分
  • How To Get More Youths To Start Their Own Business Today? [TBS 50, SG Budget 2026 Debate]

    How To Get More Youths To Start Their Own Business Today? [TBS 50, SG Budget 2026 Debate]
    2026/02/24

    Dive into the latest Singapore Budget and its impact on youth entrepreneurship, tackling the challenges and opportunities in today's market.

    Join our guests as they share their unique insights into the changing landscape of work and entrepreneurship.

    • Chua Pei Ying, APAC Head Economist at LinkedIn,
    • Simarna Singh, Regional (APAC) Healthcare Sustainability Manager & Client Partnerships at DKSH, and
    • Eugene Chia, COO & Co-Founder of Ecovolt

    Here’s what you can expect:

    • The challenges facing youth in the current job market, including the struggles post-graduation and the gap between academic preparation and job readiness.
    • How AI is transforming the entrepreneurial space and making entrepreneurship more accessible.
    • The vital role of mentorship and networking in navigating the entrepreneurial journey.
    • Insights on the growth mindset and its importance in future-proofing careers, whether you’re working in a corporate job or building your own business.

    Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation that highlights how the current #budget2026 could support youth-led startups and shape the future of work. Tune in for key takeaways and inspiration!


    ---


    🎧 The Financial Coconut:

    Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.


    Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut


    📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

    • Spotify
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    🔗 CONNECT WITH US

    Get daily tips, insights, and community:

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    Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube


    ⚠️ Disclaimer:

    The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

    Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    54 分
  • Real, Battle-Tested Marketing Playbook [TBS 49, Sponsored by WorldFirst]

    Real, Battle-Tested Marketing Playbook [TBS 49, Sponsored by WorldFirst]
    2026/02/10
    Funnels are dead.“Best practices” might be costing you money.And the strategy that built an 8-figure brand started with just $500.In this episode, we go deep with battle-tested operators who’ve actually built, scaled, and exited, not just theorised on slides.Here’s what you’ll hear (without giving away all the secrets):Why your marketing “funnel” might be completely wrong, and what to think about insteadThe $500 experiment that turned into an 8-figure exit (and the early mistake that nearly derailed it)How to stop doing “a bit of everything” and find the ONE channel that actually grows your businessThe hidden profit most SMEs ignore after a customer buysWhat AI can really do for your marketing right now… and where humans still winMarketplace vs your own website: are you stealing from yourself or unlocking new buyers?The tiny post-purchase detail that quietly turns customers into your best salespeopleMeet the GuestsJake Tan, Founder of Ergotune (Marvable), who scaled a consumer brand from scratch and exited with an 8-figure dealMarcus Ho, Managing Director of Brew Interactive, a performance marketing agency founder with 17 years and 500+ clients under his belt, is obsessed with results, not awardsCaleb Khoo, AI startup CEO **(Saleshero.io),**helping businesses turn customers into communities (and communities into revenue)If you’re an SME owner, marketer, or founder tired of vague marketing advice, this episode delivers real-world lessons, honest mistakes, and strategies that actually move revenue.Hit play. Your next growth idea might be hiding in this conversation.Enjoy 5 FREE business payments at 50% FX off with WorldFirst:Your all-in-one business account for international business payments. Same-day payments in USD, MYR, RMB at 3X cheaper rates.Act now to claim exclusive rewards:New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with sign-up link below.Dive into effortless global transactions today:🔗 New Users enjoy 1st 5 payments FREE at 50% FX rate. Sign-up with Singpass:https://portal.worldfirst.com/register?gad_source=1®ion=SG&step=1&utm_campaign=2602_sea_sg_semi&utm_medium=fieldmkt&utm_source=online🔗 Learn more:https://www.worldfirst.com/sg/campaign/new-user-vouchers-2026/?utm_medium=fieldmkt&utm_source=offline&utm_campaign=2602_sea_sg_tfclohei---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ Disclaimer:The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    47 分
  • Ergotune: The Risks, Hustle and Timing Behind The Legendary Exit [TBS 48]

    Ergotune: The Risks, Hustle and Timing Behind The Legendary Exit [TBS 48]
    2026/02/03
    Tune in with Jake, the Founder of Ergotune, a brand that grew from humble beginnings to a game-changing company in the ergonomic furniture space.Listen as Jake opens up about the trials and triumphs of building a business from scratch, with insights into his journey from coding bootcamps to creating ergonomic solutions like the standing desk and office chairs.What you'll hear:The founding story of Ergotune and its rapid rise from a small startup to a multi-million-dollar company.How Jake and his co-founders made tough decisions, including selling the business for a life-changing exit.The struggles of balancing innovation with market competition and how they identified opportunities in the ergonomic chair space.Jake’s insights on moving from founder to investor, exploring new ventures, and betting on the next big trends.Hear about Jake’s candid reflections on startup life, success, and the importance of knowing when to pivot.Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of a successful startup, this episode is a must-listen!---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ Disclaimer:The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ Disclaimer:The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    47 分
  • Do Loyalty Stamp Cards Still Work? We're Here To Find Out! [TBS 47]

    Do Loyalty Stamp Cards Still Work? We're Here To Find Out! [TBS 47]
    2026/01/27
    What if the loyalty programs you think you understand… are actually built on completely different rules?We sit with a man some in the industry call “the king of loyalty” - the CEO behind one of Singapore’s largest rewards ecosystems. With millions of members and over a million active users every month, he’s got a front-row seat to how consumers really spend, save, and stay loyal.And let’s just say… a lot of what businesses believe about loyalty? Might be totally wrong.Inside this episode, we unpack:Why “buy 10 get 1 free” works for cafés… but can quietly kill other businessesThe concept of “borrowed loyalty” and how smaller brands can tap into bigger ecosystems to surviveWhy points, cashback, and miles aren’t equal (and which one is actually losing relevance)The hidden math behind loyalty programs that most SMEs never calculateWhat really makes customers stick: emotional loyalty vs transactional value (and which one actually comes first)How AI and data are quietly reshaping the future of rewards, personalisation, and customer retentionThe surprising reason having MORE points can make customers less likely to leaveWhether you run a small business, work in marketing, or just love squeezing maximum value out of every dollar you spend, this episode will completely change how you see loyalty programs.Because loyalty isn’t just about rewards anymore…It’s about data, psychology, and who controls the relationship with the customer.🎧 Tune in to hear how the game really works behind the scenes.:---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ Disclaimer:The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ Disclaimer:The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    46 分