Posted on 02/21/2026 10:00:38 PM PST by dennisw
Phoebe Gates wants to build her AI shopping company while keeping one thing out of her pitch deck: her last name. The 23-year-old youngest daughter of billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates and philanthropist Melinda French Gates recently raised $35 million for Phia, which is now valued at around $185 million.
But she’s determined for the venture to stand on its own, with “no ties to my privilege or my last name,” Phoebe Gates told Yahoo Finance’s Opening Bid Unfiltered podcast in an episode published Thursday.
“I have a chip on my shoulder,” she said, describing her drive to prove she can win over private equity in Silicon Valley based on merit, not inheritance or legacy.
Phoebe Gates’ comments come during the resurfacing of her father’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein, although representatives for Bill Gates have repeatedly denied his involvement and any related accusations. Phoebe Gates didn’t comment about the allegations, but French Gates recently said her ex-husband “has to answer” for Epstein files mentions just weeks after it was revealed she had received $8 billion toward her philanthropic organization, Pivotal, as part of her divorce settlement.
Phoebe Gates did acknowledge her father’s business success, saying: “From my dad I’ve really learned that your team is the core of what you’re building. You can’t do anything without an incredible team.”
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
Gives off Wednesday Addams vibes
Sorry, I want nothing to do with anyone in that family.
If I were her, I’d get my brain checked to see if daddy put a chip in there, too.
https://people.com/phoebe-gates-sophia-kianni-launch-new-podcast-the-burnouts-exclusive-11705547 <<<< More on these two.
Getting away from the Gates name may be a good idea right now.
I heard she married Kevin Kline and had a couple of kids.
Good for her!
“when Bill Gates had PR problems Epstein suppressed negative news via his contacts.” (........reminded me of a recent TV show about a “fixer” for elites!)
LOL.....jeffrey’s tv ad.......”Having trouble? Better call Jeff!”
Same here!
MMMMMMM Phoebe. Me love you long time.
Sounds like Epstein was a front man for a lot of people for a percentage?.
Sounds like Epstein was a front man for a lot of people for a percentage?
yup.
Check
Yes. I Googled her and learned that she’s married to Kevin Kline. Quit acting to be a mom.
Could never hear “Moving In Stereo” ever the same again after that.
Phoebes Cates in Drop Dead Fred was something else.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.