5 facts about Phoebe Gates, the entrepreneur building tech startup without money from billionaire parents Bill and Melinda Gates

She graduated early from Stanford University

In June 2024, Phoebe graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor’s degree in human biology and a minor in African studies, achieving this in just three years.

Reflecting on the milestone, Phoebe told lifestyle magazine Nylon, "It’s the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another, and it was such a privilege to have this time with our family and friends to celebrate this."

She also shared her determination to attend the ceremony, especially since her mother, Melinda, was delivering the commencement speech. "I knew I had to make it happen if I could, because I wanted to watch my mother deliver this year’s commencement speech as a graduate," Phoebe said, adding "I can’t think of a better ending!"

Bill Gates and daughter Phoebe Gates. Photo courtesy of Phoebe's Instagram

She is dating Paul McCartney’s grandson

Phoebe sparked dating rumors with Arthur Donald, the grandson of Beatles legend Paul McCartney, in October 2023, after a vacation together in Europe. She later confirmed the relationship during her graduation celebrations in an interview with Nylon.

Phoebe shared a funny moment with Arthur’s family during an Elton John concert in an episode of "Call Me Daddy" with Alex Cooper. After seeing Elton in a "bedazzled tracksuit," she asked, "Is Elton John gay?" His family burst out laughing, and the joke has since become a lighthearted recurring conversation.

She co-founded a shopping app with her Stanford roommate

Phoebe and her Stanford roommate, environmental activist Sophia Kianni, co-founded Phia, an AI-powered shopping app that launched on April 24, according to People magazine. The app compares prices across over 40,000 retail and secondhand sites, making online shopping more efficient and affordable.

Phoebe faced opposition from her parents about her initial desire to leave school and pursue Phia. She also emphasized that Phia is an independent venture, not financially backed by her billionaire parents. Pitching for funding proved challenging, as Phoebe recalled being repeatedly asked by investors how motherhood might affect her career. Frustrated, she called her mother in tears. Melinda’s response was straightforward: "Get up or get out the game."

Phoebe Gates and mother Melinda French Gates. Photo courtesy of Phoebe's Instagram

She has a podcast with her Phia co-founder Kianni

In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Phoebe and Kianni launched "The Burnouts," a podcast hosted under Cooper’s Unwell Network, as reported by entertainment site Us Weekly.

The podcast covers the realities of building Phia and features advice from mentors and surprise guests, including Kim Kardashian, who appeared in the first episode. Phoebe opened up about the insecurities she felt upon arriving at Stanford, particularly the sense of being a "nepo baby." She admitted, "I had so much insecurity and, like, such a desire to prove myself," while also acknowledging her privilege.

She has been very vocal about reproductive freedom

Phoebe has long advocated for reproductive rights, using her platform to raise awareness. She spent her high school summers in Rwanda, participating in philanthropic efforts with her siblings. She has donated millions of U.S. dollars to abortion rights groups and co-produced a docuseries "Everybody’s Fight: An In Bloom Series" with Karlie Kloss, which focused on the impact of reproductive health restrictions.

Phoebe has also attended the UN General Assembly with her mother and visited Rwanda with Partners in Health, a nonprofit supported by the Gates Foundation. She believes that reproductive choice is fundamental to freedom, stating, "I think that choice is a fundamental freedom upon which all other freedoms are built," she told People in October 2024.

"Our generation of women is now less free than those before us. How could I ever accept that?"

"I won’t and I know I’m in good company. ... The way you use your voice and your privilege really, really matters."