It’s rare to come across founders as visionary and values-led as Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni. I first met Sophia at Stanford and was struck by her tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit. That same energy now fuels Phia, the online shopping company she co-founded with Phoebe. Phoebe brings her own extraordinary strengths—strategic clarity, creativity, and a deep commitment to inclusion. Together, they represent a new generation of entrepreneurs who are as ambitious about impact as they are about innovation.
In a startup world often obsessed with speed and scale, Sophia and Phoebe show that ideas anchored in purpose can grow into successful businesses. Launched last spring, Phia isn’t just another venture—its focus on sustainability makes it a platform for change. I believe Sophia and Phoebe have the grit and integrity to build something that lasts. My advice is simple: Hold onto the sense of responsibility that makes your work matter. The world needs leaders like you.
Herd is the founder and CEO of Bumble
