Bill Gates Discusses Daughter Phoebe's Startup Success, Phia

Bill Gates expressed relief and pride that his youngest daughter, Phoebe Gates, launched her startup, Phia, without relying on his financial support. Phoebe co-founded Phia, an AI-powered shopping app that compares prices for new and second-hand fashion items across numerous e-commerce sites, with her former Stanford roommate, Sophia Kianni. While Bill Gates noted he would have been willing to provide funding, he felt it might have come with conditions and close oversight, which could complicate their relationship. Instead, Phoebe and her partner raised capital independently through venture funding, grants, and support from notable mentors such as Kris Jenner. Both Bill and Melinda Gates encouraged their children to seek independent success, with Bill publicly stating his children will inherit less than 1 percent of his wealth to motivate them to forge their own paths. Phoebe's journey highlights the Gates family's emphasis on independence, responsible wealth, and entrepreneurial learning.