Phia

Phia is a New York–based technology company building what it describes as an “AI alignment layer for commerce.” Its core product is a shopping app and browser tool that helps consumers find the best price on the things they want to buy, scans a very large catalog of products, alerts users when items go on sale, and surfaces personalized recommendations. Phia is available for free on iOS and as a Chrome desktop tool.

According to the company, Phia searches more than 350 million products to help shoppers find the right pieces at the best price. The company says its approach has contributed to a reported 50% reduction in return rates. Users can also add the Phia tool to their browser and share a referral link with friends, and the company operates a free iOS app that it promotes through offers and community campaigns.

Phia works with a large network of retail brand partners. The company reports more than 9,600 brand partners spanning contemporary, resale, and luxury categories. It says it has grown to more than 1.5 million users and claims more than 1 billion views and a community of 2.7 million followers across its platforms since launch. The company has stated it was on pace for nine-figure sales growth.

Phia has raised $43.5 million in total funding from Kleiner Perkins, Notable Capital, and Khosla Ventures, among others. This includes an oversubscribed $35.5 million Series A round announced by the company. Phia’s investor list also includes a long roster of individual backers from entertainment, fashion, and technology, as well as founders and operators from companies such as Robinhood, Venmo, OpenAI, Poppi, Meta, and ElevenLabs.

The company was founded to make online shopping more efficient and transparent for consumers. Its app is designed to help shoppers avoid overpaying, discover sales, and receive curated recommendations. Phia has been featured in the App Store’s “Apps We Love,” and it markets itself as a free tool available to iOS users and Chrome desktop users.

Phia operates in person from an office in New York City and describes a fast-moving, high-bar working culture. It has recruited team members from companies including TikTok Shop, Palantir, Pinterest, Amazon, and Meta. The company has hosted community and recruiting events, including a 24-hour design-a-thon and a 48-hour hackathon in New York City, with prizes and fast-track interview opportunities for participants.

The company’s hiring pages list roles across engineering, machine learning, data science, product, design, partnerships, and finance. Phia states that it offers competitive cash and equity at an early-stage, high-growth startup and that new team members can ship to its large user base quickly.

Phia positions itself around AI commerce, aiming to align consumer intent with the right products and prices. Its stated focus is on helping shoppers find what they love at the best price while giving retail partners access to a large and engaged audience.