Phoebe Gates' shopping app Phia is in damage control mode and offering refunds after a payment scandal
The shopping startup Phia, co-founded by Phoebe Gates, is issuing refunds after a software error caused it to claim commissions on sales it did not generate. The company has been temporarily suspended from the affiliate network Impact.com while it works to correct attribution errors.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the risks of automated affiliate marketing software and the potential for significant financial discrepancies in e-commerce attribution models.
Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni cofounded the shopping app Phia. Kimberly White/Getty Images for TechCrunch Phia is issuing refunds to some parties affected by its attribution problems. The shopping startup cofounded by Phoebe Gates acknowledged it earned commissions from sales it didn't drive. Phia's web extension has been temporarily suspended from Impact.com, a major affiliate network. Clean up on aisle Phia. The shopping startup cofounded by Bill Gates' 23-year-old daughter , Phoebe, is doing damage control after a bombshell report revealed it had been earning commissions on sales it didn't help drive. Phia is working with at least one affiliate network, Impact.com, to refund affected parties and correct attributions, an email viewed by Business Insider shows. A Phia spokesperson confirmed that the company has offered transaction reversals to brands. Phia's basic premise is that it can help shoppers find discounts on clothes and other items.
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