Phia’s Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni are creating a new kind of founder

New York Post - Apr 25th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, recent Stanford graduates, have launched the Phia app, aiming to make fashion more sustainable by enhancing the secondhand shopping experience. Phia aggregates secondhand and retail shopping options online, likened to 'Google Flights' for fashion, ensuring users find the best prices with ease. Both founders bring impressive credentials: Kianni as a climate nonprofit leader and Gates with experience at British Vogue and recognition in reproductive rights advocacy. Their podcast, 'The Burnouts,' chronicles their startup journey, aiming to demystify the founder experience.

The launch of Phia signifies a critical shift in the fashion industry towards sustainability, targeting its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Gates, daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates, emphasizes the importance of creating a product that stands independently of her family's influence. The duo's initiative reflects a larger movement towards responsible fashion consumption, leveraging technology to enhance consumer experiences while promoting environmental consciousness. Their efforts align with a growing demand for transparency and innovation in fashion tech, particularly among young women, who are a key demographic for Phia.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article effectively highlights the entrepreneurial journey of Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, focusing on their innovative approach to sustainable fashion through the Phia app. It excels in clarity and timeliness, presenting a narrative that is both engaging and relevant to current discussions on sustainability and technology. However, the article could benefit from a more balanced perspective, incorporating insights from industry experts and addressing potential criticisms of the app's claims. While the story is accurate in its portrayal of the founders and their project, greater transparency in funding details and technological specifics would enhance its credibility. Overall, the article serves as an informative piece on young entrepreneurship and innovation but leaves room for deeper exploration of the broader implications and challenges of their venture.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story makes several factual claims, such as the environmental impact of the fashion industry and the capabilities of the Phia app. The claim that the fashion industry is the second-largest producer of greenhouse gases is broadly supported by existing literature, though the specific assertion about clothing six generations requires more precise sourcing. The description of Phia as a tool aggregating secondhand and retail options aligns with what the app claims to do, but the exact reach and technological specifics, like scanning over 40,000 sites, would benefit from further verification. The backgrounds of Gates and Kianni, including their achievements and educational history, are consistent with publicly available information, lending credibility to these claims.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents the perspectives of Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, focusing on their entrepreneurial journey and the development of the Phia app. While it provides a detailed account of their motivations and experiences, it lacks a broader range of perspectives, such as those from industry experts or critics who might offer a different view on the app's potential impact or the fashion industry's environmental claims. This singular focus can lead to an imbalanced presentation, favoring the founders' narrative without sufficient counterpoints or broader industry context.

8
Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow from the introduction of the problem (fashion industry pollution) to the proposed solution (the Phia app). The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. The use of quotes from the founders adds a personal touch and helps convey their enthusiasm and commitment. However, some technical aspects, such as the specifics of the app's technology, could be explained more clearly to ensure comprehensive understanding.

5
Source quality

The article relies heavily on statements from the founders, which are valuable but may not provide a fully objective view. There is a lack of diverse sources, such as independent experts or third-party evaluations, that could offer additional credibility and depth. The reliance on the founders' perspectives, while informative, does not fully satisfy the need for a variety of authoritative voices. The potential conflict of interest, given the familial connections and funding aspects, is not thoroughly explored, which could affect the impartiality of the reporting.

6
Transparency

The article provides a reasonable amount of context about the founders and their motivations, but it lacks transparency in certain areas. For instance, the funding details of Phia are mentioned but not fully disclosed, such as the complete list of investors. Additionally, the article does not delve into the methodology behind the claims about the app's technology or the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the reader's understanding of the story's basis and the factors influencing its narrative.

Sources

  1. https://phia.com/about
  2. https://phia.com
  3. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/phia-best-price-in-one-click/id6739351340
  4. https://www.shapinginfluence.com/news/2025/04/24/10182616.htm