Summary:
Phoebe Gates, daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates, is a 22-year-old entrepreneur with a Stanford degree
Co-founded Phia, an AI-powered fashion-tech startup comparing prices across 40,000 retail sites
Raised $600,000 without family money, with mentors like Kris Jenner and Sara Blakely
Advocates for women’s rights and hosts The Burnouts podcast for Gen Z entrepreneurs
Uses AI tools like ChatGPT for marketing, promoting sustainable shopping alternatives
Meet Phoebe Adele Gates, the youngest daughter of Bill and Melinda French Gates, who is making waves as a 22-year-old entrepreneur. Unlike the typical heiress, Phoebe is carving her own path with a Stanford degree, a co-founded AI-powered fashion-tech startup, and a voice in women’s rights advocacy.
Early Life and Education
Born in 2002 in Seattle, Phoebe attended the prestigious Lakeside School before graduating from Stanford University in just three years with a degree in Human Biology and minors in African Studies. Despite her father's legacy, she was encouraged to complete her education before diving into entrepreneurship.
Launching Phia: The Startup Story
In 2023, Phoebe co-founded Phia, an AI-powered shopping tool dubbed “Google Flights for fashion.” The app, which launched in April 2024, compares prices across 40,000 retail and secondhand websites, offering users smart, sustainable shopping options. Its unique feature, “Should I Buy This?”, labels prices as overpriced, typical, or fair, and suggests alternatives.
Funding and Independence
Phoebe raised over $500,000 in venture and angel funding, plus a $100,000 Stanford grant, without relying on her family's wealth. High-profile mentors like Kris Jenner and Sara Blakely have supported her journey, showcasing her determination to succeed on her own terms.
Conscious Media Presence
Phoebe co-hosts The Burnouts, a podcast sharing startup lessons with fellow Gen Z entrepreneurs. She’s also a vocal advocate for women’s health and reproductive rights, recognized as a Rising Champion by Reproductive Freedom for All.
Building Phia with AI
Phoebe leverages ChatGPT and AI tools for marketing, reverse-engineering viral videos to craft Phia’s branding. Her digital-first strategy emphasizes sustainability, aiming to reduce reliance on fast fashion platforms like Shein.
Estimated Net Worth
While Phoebe’s net worth isn’t public, her value stems from Phia’s founder equity and personal brand influence, not her family’s fortune. Bill Gates plans to leave each child less than 1% of his wealth, emphasizing independence.
Personal Life
Phoebe is dating Arthur Donald, grandson of Beatles legend Paul McCartney. Their relationship, confirmed in 2024, remains relatively private, reflecting her balanced approach to work and personal life.
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