Phoebe Gates draws backlash for allegedly lowballing influencer for AI startup promotion
WASHINGTON, DC: Entrepreneur and Bill Gates' daughter, Phoebe Gates, is facing online backlash after an influencer accused her of allegedly trying to negotiate a lower rate for a promotional deal with her AI startup.
This came after content creator Kacie Margis posted on social media, claiming that Phoebe reached out to her directly, even though Margis’ rates were already public. The post has since sparked an online discussion about influencer pay, startup budgets, and public expectations of founders with well-known family names.
Influencer claims Phoebe Gates attempted to negotiate below listed rate
Phoebe Gates, 23, co-founded the AI shopping tool Phia and comes from a wealthy family. Therefore, when content creator Kacie Margis claimed that Phoebe tried to hire her for less than her publicly listed $250 fee, the latter faced a wave of backlash online.
Some social media users called out Phoebe over her approach to influencer pay, criticizing her attempt of negotiating the rate, even though her father is worth about $103 billion.
“When a billionaire’s daughter says the budget is ‘super limited’ and it’s a ‘scrappy little startup’ to try to pay me less than what my posted rates are,” Margis, a model and lifestyle tastemaker from Orange County, California, ranted on Threads this week.
To back up her story, Kacie posted a screenshot of what looks like a direct message from Phoebe from April 2025, where Phoebe downplayed how much money Phia makes.
That raised eyebrows since Phia, which runs out of New York and helps shoppers find deals on secondhand fashion, is supposedly valued at about $180 million.
“Hey love! I came across your profile on Collabstr and I’m such a fan of your content. I’m the founder of @Phiaco — we’re launching at the end of this month (!!) and I’d be sooo honored if you’d be down to collab and help share,” reads the message, allegedly dispatched from Phoebe’s verified social media account.
“We’re still a scrappy startup so budget’s super limited, but we’d still work if you’re open,” continued the message, in part. “Feel free to send your rates.”
However, Margis refused to take the “send your rates” bait.
Margis said she declined the offer, noting that her rates were already listed and accessible. Her post quickly gained traction, with users weighing in on the exchange and discussing industry standards for influencer collaborations.
“She found me on a site called Collabstr, where brands can book creators,” Margis explained on Threads.
“My rates are publicly listed on the platform, but instead of booking me there, she sent a private message trying to negotiate me down,” she added.
Social media reaction highlights debate over pay and privilege
Social media users were quick to back Margis, while calling out Phoebe. “INSANE that she didn’t want to pay you $250. We are done letting these billionaire grifting a******s off the hook. Proud of you for calling her out,” said a commenter in support of Margis.
“Phoebe Gates also just flat out steals other startups ideas, IP, marketing, etc … on top of leveraging creators to work for free. She’s honestly a cancer in the sustainable fashion space,” wrote an equally irked critic.
Several comments focused on Phoebe’s background as the daughter of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, questioning the optics of negotiating lower rates despite the startup’s reported valuation.
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