Leeds Beckett University student reaches crowdfunding goal for crime fighting wallet

An enterprising Leeds Beckett University student has almost doubled hisonline crowdfunding campaign to raise more than £3kmanufacture and sell a specially made wallet that prevents contactless bank card theft.

21-year-old BSc (Hons) Computing undergraduate Ibbe Raja, who is currently undertaking a placement year, teamed up with his brother Jalil Raja, 19, and friend Sam Andrews, 20, to create ‘Vinco’ – an ultra-thin wallet that protects against Radio Frequency ID (RFID) theft.

The crowdfunding campaign, which is being hosted by Indiegogo, has had pledges of financial support from more than 250 people, which brings the trio’s total to just over £6k.

The young entrepreneur’s now have enough funding to set up their business venture.

The wallet has already been successfully trialled and tested against RFID signals, and a RFID scanner also failed to detect any cards through Vinco.

The wallet, designed to tightly grip the contents, is made from Tyvek, a tough material which ensures that bank cards and cash are kept dry.

Ibbe said: “We are so grateful to every single investor who believes in and has pledged towards the Vinco wallet. Thanks to this major investment, we can now focus on the exciting times ahead – developing the product to make it the best it can be and shipping Vinco wallets to customers around the world.

“Our wallet was made to keep your money portable and, more importantly, safe. The fact is, almost all wallets are prone to RFID skimming, and we were inspired to create a product which protected against this crime after one of our friends was the victim of this form of theft. Not only is Vinco thin and secure, its stylish design makes for a discreet yet RFID-proof wallet. Weighing just 30 grams, it’ll fit into any pocket unnoticed and can hold up to seven cards and a few folded cash bills.

“To celebrate surpassing our crowdfunding target, along with the currently available Vinco colours of black, blue, brown and pink, we are creating a limited edition orange wallet with white stitching, which will be available later this week.”

Ibbe added: “Vinco is designed, stitched and shipped locally here in Leeds. It was really important to us that our customers get a wallet that incorporates the true sentiment of British values.

“Vinco will be packaged and shipped by Clubit, an online retailer and wholesaler. Clubit was founded by a former Leeds Beckett student in 1999 and I am currently undertaking my University placement year with the company. Clubit have helped us greatly with this venture and having their support has really boosted our drive, confidence and belief in the Vinco product. We have everything in place for us to begin manufacturing, selling and shipping out Vinco wallets worldwide. The retail price for the wallets is £20 each although it is available now on indiegogo for £17.”

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