Phoebe Gates, the younger daughter of Bill and Melinda French Gates, has established herself as a notable figure in the fashion industry and technology with the launch of her innovative app, Phia. Recently, she made headlines by attending the launch of Meta’s first AI-powered glasses alongside her boyfriend, Chaz Flynn. This event, which took place in New York City, marked a significant occasion for both Gates and the burgeoning world of smart glasses.
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Attending the event at Terminal Warehouse, the couple revealed a united front as they participated in the launch of Meta’s latest product, which is touted as a breakthrough in wearable technology. The glasses, priced starting at £299, integrate Meta AI powered by Muse Spark and come in a variety of styles that cater to consumers’ unique preferences. Meta has also ensured that their smart glasses are compatible with prescription lenses, offering a thoughtful consideration for individuals with optical requirements.
The launch event gathered a star-studded crowd, including prominent figures such as stylist Law Roach and Vogue’s Chloe Malle. However, the rise of smart glasses has not been without controversy. Concerns regarding privacy have been raised, particularly after incidents involving previous iterations of smart glasses. For instance, an advisory warning was issued by the University of San Francisco last October due to reports of individuals misusing the technology for recording purposes without consent.
Phoebe Gates, who publicly shared her relationship with Flynn late last year, has known him since their teenage years when they attended high school in Seattle. The couple has been spotted together frequently, showing support for each other’s pursuits. In a recent podcast episode of “The Burnouts,” which she co-hosts with Sophia Kianni, Phoebe reflected on her relationship with Flynn, noting that his absence from social media has positively influenced their connection. She expressed how this dynamic was a new experience for her, revealing her desire for authenticity in her personal life.
Beyond her relationship, Phoebe has been dedicating significant time and effort to Phia, her price comparison app designed to enhance the shopping experience. Launched in April 2025, Phia aims to assist users in obtaining the best deals by offering insights into resale values and real-time price fluctuations. Currently, the app boasts over 9,600 retail brand partners and has attracted significant financial backing, raising a total of £43.5 million as of May, with the latest funding round bringing in a substantial £35.5 million.
Phoebe co-founded Phia with Sophia Kianni, a friendship that developed during their time at Stanford University, where the two were roommates. Gate’s vision for Phia is rooted in the belief that retail shopping needs to modernise in line with advances in artificial intelligence. “AI is reshaping nearly every industry, but shopping is stuck in the past,” she stated in an interview, underscoring her commitment to innovate in the retail sector.
The app’s success reflects its broad appeal, drawing contributions from a wide range of celebrity investors, including the likes of Khloé Kardashian, Alix Earle, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, among others. This high-profile backing has been instrumental in propelling the app to the forefront of consumer technology discussions.
With the combination of her entrepreneurial endeavours and a personal life unfolding in the public eye, Phoebe Gates is swiftly becoming a prominent figure not only as the daughter of one of the world’s most recognised philanthropists but also as an innovator in the fashion-tech crossover. Her initiatives continue to garner attention, leaving many eager to see how her career develops in the future. The interplay of her personal and professional aspirations paints a vivid picture of a young woman embracing the challenges and opportunities of modern society.