Bill Gates joins daughter Phoebe Gates’ startup Phia as it raises $35M, supporting a fashion-tech app that helps shoppers save money and shop sustainably.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has stepped back into the startup ecosystem—this time in a deeply personal way. Gates recently announced that he is joining the customer experience team at Phia, a fashion-tech startup founded by his daughter, Phoebe Gates, and her co-founder, Sophia Kianni.
The announcement came via a LinkedIn post in which Gates shared that when his daughter asked if he would be willing to work a customer service shift at her startup, the only reasonable answer was yes.
“I’ve entered the startup world again,” Gates wrote, emphasizing his belief that the best way to understand how a product works—or where it falls short—is by engaging directly with the people who use it.
Phia Raises $35 Million in New Funding
Phia has recently closed a $35 million funding round to support its rapid growth. The investment was led by Notable Capital, with participation from Khosla Ventures and returning investor Kleiner Perkins. The startup, which is approximately 10 months old, is gaining traction for its innovative approach to making online shopping smarter and more sustainable.
Notably, while Bill Gates has not invested financially in the company, he has contributed his time and experience to support the team.
What Phia Does
Phia is a mobile app and browser extension designed to help consumers shop more intelligently by:
- Finding the best available prices
- Surfacing resale and secondhand options
- Highlighting lower-impact and sustainable alternatives
- Working across thousands of online retailers
By meeting users where they already shop, Phia aims to reduce unnecessary spending and promote more environmentally conscious purchasing decisions.
A Hands-On Approach to Learning
Gates explained that throughout his career, he has spent considerable time thinking about how technology can make systems more efficient, equitable, and accessible. However, he believes that real insight comes from direct interaction with users.
That philosophy is what led him to spend a day with Phia’s customer experience team, gaining firsthand exposure to user feedback, challenges, and opportunities.
“It’s been inspiring to watch them tackle a massive challenge—rethinking the way we shop,” Gates wrote. “And now, I’ll be doing the same.”
A Return to Startup Roots
Gates expressed enthusiasm about returning to the startup environment and reconnecting with the fast-paced culture of early-stage companies. He added humorously that he hopes he doesn’t break anything along the way.
His involvement underscores both his support for his daughter’s entrepreneurial journey and his continued interest in innovation-driven solutions that address real-world problems.
Read more: Sustainable Business Practices for Long-Term Growth: A Strategic Framework for Competitive Advantage
