Bill Gates' Youngest Daughter Launches A.I.-Driven E-Commerce Startup, Skipping Dad's Advice
Phoebe Gates, the 23-year-old daughter of tech mogul Bill Gates and philanthropist Melinda French Gates, has launched her own e-commerce startup called Phia. With the help of Stanford roommate Sophia Kianna, Gates aims to revolutionize online shopping with an AI-powered assistant that compares prices across thousands of sites.
The idea for Phia was born out of frustration with online shopping. Gates and Kianna wanted a personal shopper in their pockets but couldn't find it. The duo's app uses machine learning algorithms to analyze user behavior and offer personalized recommendations, reducing carbon footprint and encouraging more mindful shopping.
Phia has already gained over 600,000 users and boasts an impressive database of second-hand items, integrating with over 150 resale sites. The platform promotes sustainability by reducing the need for new purchases and encourages users to make informed choices about their spending.
Gates, who co-hosts a popular podcast called "The Burnouts," has taken a non-traditional approach to user feedback, hosting sessions where power users roast the app and provide constructive criticism. This process has helped the team refine features such as sizing recommendations and personalized product suggestions.
While her father's expertise might be valuable in some areas, Gates has stated that she's interested in learning from industry leaders like Spanx founder Sara Blakely and designer Danielle Guizzo. She believes that Phia's users hold more power than just asking for advice from those with experience.
Phia's success has attracted major investors, including Kleiner Perkins and Sheryl Sandberg. With an $8 million seed round under its belt, the startup is poised to shake up the e-commerce industry. As Gates' focus on sustainability and AI-driven decision-making continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Phoebe Gates is making waves in her own right, leaving her father's guidance behind.
Phoebe Gates, the 23-year-old daughter of tech mogul Bill Gates and philanthropist Melinda French Gates, has launched her own e-commerce startup called Phia. With the help of Stanford roommate Sophia Kianna, Gates aims to revolutionize online shopping with an AI-powered assistant that compares prices across thousands of sites.
The idea for Phia was born out of frustration with online shopping. Gates and Kianna wanted a personal shopper in their pockets but couldn't find it. The duo's app uses machine learning algorithms to analyze user behavior and offer personalized recommendations, reducing carbon footprint and encouraging more mindful shopping.
Phia has already gained over 600,000 users and boasts an impressive database of second-hand items, integrating with over 150 resale sites. The platform promotes sustainability by reducing the need for new purchases and encourages users to make informed choices about their spending.
Gates, who co-hosts a popular podcast called "The Burnouts," has taken a non-traditional approach to user feedback, hosting sessions where power users roast the app and provide constructive criticism. This process has helped the team refine features such as sizing recommendations and personalized product suggestions.
While her father's expertise might be valuable in some areas, Gates has stated that she's interested in learning from industry leaders like Spanx founder Sara Blakely and designer Danielle Guizzo. She believes that Phia's users hold more power than just asking for advice from those with experience.
Phia's success has attracted major investors, including Kleiner Perkins and Sheryl Sandberg. With an $8 million seed round under its belt, the startup is poised to shake up the e-commerce industry. As Gates' focus on sustainability and AI-driven decision-making continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Phoebe Gates is making waves in her own right, leaving her father's guidance behind.