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Phoebe Gates Sparks Outrage Over Low-Ball Collaboration Offers
7 Apr
Summary
- Phoebe Gates allegedly offered influencers less than their listed rates.
- The startup Phia claims a "super limited" budget for collaborations.
- Social media users criticize Gates' perceived out-of-touch business approach.
Phoebe Gates, daughter of billionaire Bill Gates, has drawn criticism for her alleged business practices concerning influencer collaborations for her e-commerce startup, Phia. Reports suggest Gates, who founded Phia with Sophia Kianni, reached out to content creator Kacie Margis in April 2025, offering payment below her listed rates.
Margis shared a screenshot on Threads, claiming Gates described Phia as a "scrappy startup" with a "super limited" budget to negotiate down her fees. This approach has sparked public backlash, with many social media users deeming Gates out of touch with reality.
Despite her father's immense wealth, Gates independently secured $850,000 in funding for Phia, including investments from Soma Capital and angel investors. Her father, Bill Gates, previously expressed concern about her potentially seeking funds for her business ventures after he reduced her inheritance.
