Maskey - fashionable face masks from a vending machine

by Startacus Admin

Maskey! The startup that's making face masks both fashionable and more accessible...

What we are all currently trying to prevent spreading is something far worse than a cold, and yet too many people are refusing to wear masks. But the more normal we make wearing masks, the easier and more convenient we make getting masks, and the more trendy (is that still a hip and happening word to use?) we make the masks, the more people will stop being dangerously selfish and dimwitted and start wearing masks.
One of the many doing their part to help with all of this is Essex-based startup Maskey. The idea for Maskey was born in May and 3 weeks later, the startup was selling high-quality, fashionable face masks, designed and manufactured by a suit-maker.
The idea of these double-layer cotton masks is not only to provide the obvious protection for the wearer and those around them, but also to give people a range of patterns and colours to help make their mask a fashion statement (the statement being, “I want to fashionably keep you alive”).
More notable than simply making the masks is that Maskey has put them in vending machines for people to buy on the spot all around the UK and Scotland, including in the likes of Hamleys, with locations growing all the time.
Particularly with masks about to become mandatory when shopping, vending machines for people to buy quality masks for a good price (their site shows that a basic mask is around £7, with others snaking into very low double figures), with contactless payment, could literally save a life.
The website goes into more detail about how safety is taken into account when making the masks, but precautions include the workers wearing masks and gloves, and the masks going from their hands into 90-degree steaming and then straight into plastic wrapping.
The vending machines are free to install for venues that need them, and you will be paid a percentage of every sale. More importantly, 10% of profits from every sale go to Lenderhand, a charity currently supporting the NHS, and individuals and families in need during the pandemic.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.

Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.

The lowdown on FuturePlus, the startup that's on a mission to make sustainability accessible, achievable and affordable for all businesses.

John McLachlan, author and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training & Consultancy examines the differences between action-oriented and reflective leaders and which approach is best.

The fitness app that's not just about physical fitness; GoJoe helps employers to engage, motivate and connect their people across all pillars of wellbeing.

Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.

Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.

London-based startup Deep Render tackles the internet’s data and bandwidth challenges via its innovative AI-powered file compression technology.

The lowdown on Dublin-based startup and NUI Maynooth spin-out Neuromod Devices and its innovative evidence-based bimodal neuromodulation treatment for chronic tinnitus.

With the clear shift towards generative AI, Richard Hayes, search director at digital marketing agency Catalyst explores what it means for SEO...
Published on: 19th July 2020
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Startup Sook Receives Investment from Tobin Capital 24th May 2023 Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
- L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator 23rd May 2023 Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
- United Utilities Innovation Lab launches call-out for innovative ideas for fifth programme 18th May 2023 Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
- OneTech Spins Out from Capital Enterprise to Support Underserved Communities in Tech Across the UK 18th May 2023 Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.