Melinda Gates Encourages Daughter to Find A Way Fund Her Startup Company

Phoebe Gates, the youngest daughter of Bill and Melinda French Gates, is embarking on her entrepreneurial journey with a startup named Phia, without financial support from her renowned parents. At a recent event in New York City, Melinda confirmed that Phoebe hasn't solicited funding from either of them and emphasizes their intentions to remain uninvolved financially, stating, “I wouldn’t put money into it.” Phoebe’s venture, an AI-driven fashion platform, has independently secured $850,000 through various sources, including Soma Capital and a Stanford social entrepreneurship grant. Although Bill and Melinda's wealth could have provided substantial backing, the couple has decided their children, including Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe, will only inherit 1 percent of Bill’s $152 billion fortune. Melinda argues this approach helps Phoebe develop resilience and experience managing a genuine business in a challenging environment. In addition to her startup, Phoebe co-hosts the podcast, The Burnouts, where she discusses mental health among young women entrepreneurs and advocates for women’s health and reproductive rights.