Post by Raina De

I was recently watching Phoebe Gates talk about how she isn’t relying on her parents’ financial backing to build Phia. Choosing to be financially independent when you don’t have to is a good thing. But the narrative is fudged to sound like she too is starting from scratch like thousands of other founders across America. Money is actually the smallest thing a rich parent gives you. You grow up watching success closely. You grow up knowing what money can do - the access, the education, the exposure, the safety. You go to good schools. You get tutors. You learn languages, instruments, etiquette. That puts you in a good university. And one day you step out and say, “I want to do this on my own.” Which is valid. But it’s also worth acknowledging that you grew up in an environment which already puts you a mile ahead of the starting line. I built a successful business at 24 because I was sent to one of the top 10 business schools in the world. I didn’t need dad’s funds ever again because doors were already wide open when I showed up with my degree and exposure and vocabulary. Look up to someone who grew up with nothing and still built big. Rare species. The rest of us are enduring simulated financial strain with a sturdy safety net. Privilege isn’t something to feel guilty about. But it is definitely something to be honest about. #privilege #exposure #business #success