Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni Share Insights on Scaling Consumer AI and Engaging Gen Z at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Consumer AI is at a critical juncture, with few startups making as substantial an impression this year as Phia. This AI-enhanced shopping assistant is becoming one of the most discussed releases of 2025, attributed not only to its groundbreaking approach to Gen Z shopping but also to the visionary leadership of Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni.

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27–29 at San Francisco’s Moscone West, the two will take the Disrupt Stage to share insights on how they are building Phia into a formidable consumer brand, what it means to excel in one of the most competitive sectors in technology, and how they plan to transform viral enthusiasm into lasting market influence.

The Next Era of Consumer AI

Phia aims to revolutionize the way digital natives find, compare, and buy products by integrating AI solutions with the essence of conscious consumerism. For Gen Z, shopping goes beyond mere ease; it focuses on trust, personalization, and aligning choices with individual values. Gates and Kianni think that the future of consumer AI must encapsulate all these dimensions.

From Advocacy to AI

Phoebe Gates, co-founder of Phia, is a pioneer and passionate advocate for women’s reproductive rights and gender equality. A Stanford graduate in human biology, she has partnered with global healthcare leaders, activists, and advocates to drive significant social progress. Gates channels her entrepreneurial energy to inspire a new wave of women in business. In acknowledgment of her contributions, she was celebrated by Reproductive Freedom for All as the 2024 “Rising Reproductive Freedom Champion,” all while she shapes Phia into a leading AI shopping experience.

Sophia Kianni is another co-founder of Phia. As an Iranian American entrepreneur and environmental activist, she is recognized for founding Climate Cardinals, the largest youth-led climate group globally. A member of Forbes 30 Under 30 and BBC’s 100 Women, she was the youngest UN climate advisor in U.S. history. Kianni now harnesses her storytelling and advocacy abilities to enhance Phia. An alumni of Stanford, she is committed to utilizing AI for smarter, more sustainable purchasing decisions.

Unlock Growth, Loyalty, and Impact in This Session

Creating a consumer AI brand involves more than just technology; it requires building trust, swiftly adapting to market dynamics, and knowing how to shine in a crowded space. Gates and Kianni will discuss:

• Turning Attention into Adoption: How Phia is moving beyond hype to foster genuine consumer loyalty.
• The Gen Z Factor: Insights into the expectations younger shoppers hold for personalization, transparency, and values-oriented technology.
• Building for Scale: Lessons learned from evolving an early-stage idea into a robust competitor in the tech field.

Don’t Miss Out on Ticket Savings

With over 10,000 founders, investors, and industry leaders expected to gather at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, this session is vital for anyone in consumer AI, commerce, or brand-centric technology seeking to gain Gen Z loyalty. Join Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni as they delve into the future of AI-driven shopping. Register now to save up to $444. Bringing a team? Receive 20% off for groups of 4-9 until tomorrow, October 3.