Phoebe Gates Discusses Investor Bias, Mother's Tough Advice

Phoebe Gates, daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates and co-founder of the fashion pricing startup Phia, has spoken out about the persistent gender bias she and co-founder Sophia Kianni have faced in venture capital, particularly questions about their future motherhood plans. Gates recounted on the Call Her Daddy podcast that these inquiries left her emotional, and her mother advised her to persevere in the face of such bias. Both founders highlighted how women are regularly questioned about balancing leadership and family, a bias rarely directed at men, reflecting broader inequalities in top corporate positions. Phoebe also discussed the challenge of carving out her own identity apart from her parents, acknowledging both the privileges and pressures that come with her upbringing. She emphasized that while her background offers significant advantages, it also requires her to discern genuine relationships and prove herself in professional settings. Overall, Gates maintains a pragmatic perspective, recognizing her privilege while advocating for greater equity and fair treatment of women in business.