Women Leading the Charge in Crypto: Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the crypto universe, a stark gender disparity persists. Despite the growing prominence of fintech, only 1.5% of the best-funded private fintech firms globally are solely founded by women, receiving a mere 1% of total venture funding. This imbalance raises critical questions about the missed opportunities for innovation and investment in a sector that thrives on diversity.

The Gender Gap in Tech

A recent report by NTT DATA UK highlights a significant disconnect between perceptions of gender equality in tech. While 68% of men believe women have equal progression opportunities, only 25% of women agree. This disparity extends to senior positions, with only 12% of women feeling adequately represented. Such findings underscore the urgent need for systemic change within the tech industry.

Fintech remains a leading sector for venture funding, with $134 billion invested last year. Alarmingly, 99% of this funding went to male founders. The question arises: what innovations and returns might we see if funding were distributed more equitably?

The Case for Female Founders

Research from the Boston Consulting Group reveals that female-founded teams outperform their male counterparts in terms of return on investment. For every dollar invested in a female-founded business, the return is more than double that of male-founded businesses—78 cents compared to 31 cents. This statistic highlights the potential for female-led startups to drive significant economic growth.

Angela Walch, a research associate at the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies, emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in the crypto space. As the industry becomes more mainstream, incorporating varied viewpoints can lead to better decision-making and innovation.

Inspirational Female Leaders in Crypto

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s spotlight ten remarkable women who are not only breaking barriers but also reshaping the crypto, NFT, and metaverse landscapes.

Ariana Waller

Known as Ariana The Techie, Waller is a full-stack software engineer and founder of Mueshi, a marketplace for fine art NFTs. Passionate about encouraging women in web3, she hosts the podcast "Women in TECH with Ariana," advocating for diverse voices in the industry.

Allyson Downey

Co-founder of Meta Angels, Downey aims to create an inclusive NFT community that fosters real-life opportunities. She believes in building a foundation for equitable gender representation in web3, emphasizing the economic advantages of investing in female founders.

Emily Yang

As one of the world’s leading NFT artists, Yang, also known as plpleasr, has collaborated with notable figures and organizations to support upcoming female artists. Her work not only generates significant revenue but also contributes to charitable causes, showcasing the potential for art in the digital age.

Stefania Barbaglio

Founder and CEO of Cassiopeia Services, Barbaglio is a prominent opinion leader in the crypto sphere. She advocates for a diverse and inclusive web3 environment, where women can thrive without traditional societal judgments.

Iris ten Teije

Co-founder of Koia, ten Teije is passionate about democratizing access to capital through NFTs linked to real-world assets. She encourages women to engage in web3, emphasizing the vast economic opportunities that lie ahead.

Martyna Borys-Liszka

As an account director at YAP Global, Borys-Liszka specializes in cryptocurrency and blockchain communications. She is dedicated to driving change in the industry and ensuring equal access to information and resources for all.

Krista Kim

A contemporary artist and founder of the Techism movement, Kim explores digital consciousness through her work. She envisions a metaverse that transcends real-world divisions, advocating for more female leadership in shaping its future.

Jaime Schmidt

Co-founder of BFF, Schmidt leads a decentralized organization supporting women and non-binary individuals in web3. With a rapidly growing community, she emphasizes the need for diverse voices to drive innovation and social good.

Laura Shin

A crypto journalist and host of the "Unchained" podcast, Shin focuses on democratizing access to financial services and governance in web3. She encourages women to pursue their passions in the crypto space, reinforcing the idea that joy leads to success.

Kadine James

A creative technologist at Yahoo Creative Studios, James specializes in 3D virtual production and mixed reality. She advocates for bridging the funding gap in the male-dominated crypto industry and envisions a future where digital identities are integral to our real-world selves.

These women exemplify the transformative potential of female leadership in the crypto space. Their contributions not only challenge the status quo but also pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in technology. As the crypto universe continues to expand, the need for diverse voices and perspectives has never been more critical.