'I am a nepo baby... but not just that': Bill Gates’ daughter Phoebe gets candid about the pressure behind the privilege

Phoebe Gates, the 22-year-old daughter of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, may have grown up in one of the world’s most recognizable families, but she’s making it clear—carving out an identity beyond the Gates name comes with its own set of challenges. As she steps into the spotlight with her new podcast Burnouts, co-hosted with climate activist Sophia Kianni, Phoebe is pulling back the curtain on what it really feels like to be a "nepo baby" in the age of social media scrutiny.

In the debut episode of her show, Phoebe opened up about the internal conflict of privilege and purpose. “I have so much privilege. I’m a nepo baby,” she admitted, before revealing how the label has stirred up a deep sense of insecurity. “There’s such a desire to prove myself,” she confessed—something she says has only intensified as she builds her own voice in the public arena.

Beyond the Billionaire Legacy

Despite being born into extraordinary wealth and influence, Phoebe isn’t content to simply ride the coattails of her father’s tech empire. She’s found her own lane—first as a student of human biology, then as a rising figure in fashion and digital culture. Yet, being online hasn't been entirely smooth sailing. In a recent interview with The Information, she spoke of the darker side of fame: the misconceptions, the conspiracy theories, and the endless assumptions that come with her last name.

“I’m pretty realistic that people start following me because of my family name,” she said, acknowledging that some may initially tune in just to catch a glimpse of Bill Gates being “a goof” on apps like TikTok. “But once they follow me, they stick around... because of the issues that I post about, like women’s health. And honestly, TikTok is fun.”

A Famous Role Model, A Personal Mission

It was another "nepo baby" who gave Phoebe a vision of what using privilege with purpose could look like—fashion icon Stella McCartney. A longtime friend of her mother, Melinda French Gates, McCartney became a source of inspiration early on. “Even when I was little she would send me stuff and little notes and I’d be so excited,” Phoebe shared in an interview with WWD. “I felt very connected to her... She took that immense privilege and used it to leverage something meaningful.”

It’s this blueprint that Phoebe seems eager to follow: acknowledging her access, but insisting on substance. Whether it’s through podcasting, fashion, or advocacy on issues like women’s rights, she wants to prove she’s more than just a last name.

Redefining the ‘Nepo Baby’ Narrative

Phoebe Gates isn’t denying her advantages—but she’s determined to redefine what they mean. With wit, self-awareness, and a growing platform, she’s signaling a new kind of legacy: one not solely built on billion-dollar fortunes, but on a mission to make that fortune matter. In a world where the label "nepo baby" often comes with cynicism, Phoebe is making the case that it can also come with responsibility—and real impact.