Founded by former Bristol University students Amber Probyn, 23, and Hazel McShane, 25, Peequal consists of modular ‘wedges’ that house a urinal for women and can be configured in an array of different formats. According to the company, the urinals allow women to use the facilities six times quicker than some alternatives, with the flatpack design incorporating recycled sea plastics that produce 98 per cent less carbon than traditional portable toilets.
The design is set to become a mainstay at festivals and other events during the summer, with 250 units currently under construction and several deals due to be signed with festival organisers in the coming weeks. Investors in the initial funding round include the British Design Fund, Monzo co-founder Tom Blomfield, former Gü COO Sarah Jones, and angel investors Chris Stamp and Elaine Groenestein.
“This funding is not only a huge vote of confidence in Peequal but also a big moment for pee equality the world over,” said McShane. “We want Peequal to empower women to take back their time and break the taboo around female urination. We are building a team to bring our urinals to festivals, sporting events, outdoor shows and more.
“We’re really proud to be changing the way women pee and doing it in a safe way which reduces time spent in queues. Because our urinals are modular and flat packed, just one of our festival orders this summer will take 70 lorries – or 140 lorry trips – off the roads.”
Tom Blomfield, co-founder of Monzo, said: “I'm proud to be an investor in Peequal - it's important that women have access to toilets that are quick, safe and sustainable.
“I was really impressed with Hazel and Amber's drive and determination, and the progress they've made with the business is magnificent. I'm sure you'll see more of their urinals at UK festivals this summer.”
