Phia’s Founders to Share AI Shopping Vision at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Consumer AI is experiencing a defining moment in 2025, and startup Phia has emerged as one of the year’s most talked-about launches. The AI-powered shopping assistant has captured attention not only for its innovative approach to how Generation Z shops but also for its impressive founding team: Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni.
Spotlight on Next-Generation Shopping
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27-29 at San Francisco’s Moscone West, Gates and Kianni will take the main stage to discuss their strategy for building Phia into a lasting consumer brand. They’ll share insights on scaling in today’s competitive tech landscape and transforming viral momentum into sustainable market presence.
Phia represents a fundamental shift in how digital natives discover, compare, and purchase products. The platform combines artificial intelligence with the principles of conscious consumerism, recognizing that for Gen Z, shopping involves more than mere convenience. Trust, personalization, and alignment with ethical values are equally important considerations that Phia aims to address simultaneously.
Meet the Visionary Founders
Phoebe Gates, Phia’s co-founder, brings a unique background in entrepreneurship and social advocacy. A Stanford human biology graduate, she has collaborated with global healthcare leaders and activists to drive meaningful social change. Gates was recently honored by Reproductive Freedom for All as the 2024 “Rising Reproductive Freedom Champion” and continues to champion progress while building Phia into a leading AI shopping platform.
Sophia Kianni, Phia’s other co-founder, is an Iranian American entrepreneur and prominent climate activist. She gained recognition as the founder of Climate Cardinals, the world’s largest youth-led climate nonprofit. Named to both Forbes 30 Under 30 and BBC’s 100 Women lists, Kianni also made history as the youngest UN climate adviser in U.S. history. She now applies her advocacy and storytelling expertise to scale Phia, focusing on how AI can enable smarter, more sustainable consumer decisions.
Key Discussion Points at Disrupt 2025
During their TechCrunch Disrupt session, Gates and Kianni will explore critical aspects of building a successful consumer AI brand, including:
- Establishing and maintaining consumer trust in AI-driven platforms
- Adapting quickly to evolving market trends and consumer preferences
- Differentiating in a crowded and competitive technology space
- Translating early buzz into long-term market influence
Why This Session Matters
With over 10,000 founders, investors, and industry operators expected at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, this presentation is essential viewing for anyone working in consumer AI, e-commerce, or brand-driven technology. The session offers valuable perspectives on capturing Gen Z loyalty and understanding the future of AI-powered shopping. For those interested in the original coverage of Phia’s launch and the founders’ background, additional context is available through industry monitoring services that track emerging technology trends.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from two of the most dynamic founders in consumer AI as they outline the next frontier of intelligent shopping assistance.
