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.
Got a business in the manufacturing sector? These tips on how you can reduce energy costs while being more sustainable are well worth a read...

Innovative InsurTech startup SureIn announces a €4M Seed round to further its mission of making insurance easy, transparent and hassle-free for SMBs.

Nassia Skoulikariti, Director of IoT Programmes, Mobile Ecosystem Forum shares some insights on how IoT is having a significant impact on all our lives.

Roger James Hamilton, Founder and CEO of Genius Group, a world-leading entrepreneur Edtech and education group, discusses how introducing a globalized curriculum will help better prepare students.

SuperFi, the debt prevention platform, has announced a $1m pre-seed funding round to support people during the cost of living crisis.

41 startups from 13 countries, including the UK, have been selected for the 8th Kickstart Innovation program, one of Europe’s leading innovation platforms.

Personal training platform Another Round has secured £300k in its latest fundraise, including investment from angels and its community.

Thingtrax Secures £4.3M to Empower Manufacturers to Build the Factories of the Future

A measure of inflation relief for small firms sees transport costs fall but service price increases remain elevated

Bedfordshire-based HR tech startup HR DataHub has built a range of tools for HR departments
Published on: 19th July 2020
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- SureIn Secures €4M to Close the SMB Insurance Gap 15th Aug 2023 Innovative InsurTech startup SureIn announces a €4M Seed round to further its mission of making insurance easy, transparent and hassle-free for SMBs.
- SuperFi raises $1M pre-seed funding round 28th Jul 2023 SuperFi, the debt prevention platform, has announced a $1m pre-seed funding round to support people during the cost of living crisis.
- Startups rely on AI & sustainability for new partnerships 27th Jul 2023 41 startups from 13 countries, including the UK, have been selected for the 8th Kickstart Innovation program, one of Europe’s leading innovation platforms.
- Another Round closes £300k Seed round to revolutionise personal training 21st Jul 2023 Personal training platform Another Round has secured £300k in its latest fundraise, including investment from angels and its community.