The world of cryptocurrency and startups is defined by innovation, youthful energy, and an open-minded approach to the future. Yet, despite being one of the most forward-thinking sectors in tech, gender disparity remains a persistent issue.
Closing this gap requires more than just technical innovation; it requires active, intentional change in how we support women in the space.
To discuss the reality of these challenges and the solutions being implemented, we spoke with Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, a leading Universal Exchange.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your professional journey so far?
I started my career as a TV Host for a show focused on Finance and Technology. Back in 2014, some friends in the industry started nudging me to look into crypto. That curiosity led me to investigate further on the topic. I started to buy some major crypto assets and also became an early investor in BitKeep (now Bitget Wallet), which is now a leading decentralized wallet globally.
I eventually decided to leave the media world behind to take an active role in the startup ecosystem. I co-founded and ran two startups in the Fintech and VR sectors, which gave me a crash course in building from the ground up.
By the spring of 2022, I had accumulated about a decade of experience across business management, marketing, and investment. When a friend mentioned that Bitget was looking for a Managing Director, it felt like the perfect alignment of my interests. I joined as their first MD in April 2022, and after two years of leading our growth strategies and scaling the platform, I was incredibly honored to be named CEO in May 2024.
What specifically attracted you to the Web3 sector?
It actually started with the Bitcoin white paper. The moment I read it, I was instantly hooked. As someone with a background in Applied Mathematics, I was struck by the mathematical beauty and logic of the protocol. It wasn’t just code; it was a transparent, democratic system that offered a way to establish trust without needing a middleman.
I’ve always been drawn to the idea of a decentralized ledger that doesn’t replace, but rather complements, the traditional financial industry by adding a layer of efficiency and inclusion. While I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a ‘rebel’ in the traditional sense, I’ve always been less interested in following ingrained rules and far more interested in creating new ones.
Web3 provided that exact opportunity—to be at the absolute edge of innovation. Today, what excites me most is the limitless potential for growth. Seeing how technologies like DeFi can provide financial access to people in any corner of the world is incredibly powerful, and being able to help build that infrastructure is what keeps me motivated every day.
Can you explain what Web3 is for those who are not familiar with it?
In the simplest terms, Web3 is the next generation of the internet. At its core, Web3 uses blockchain technology to create a more open, transparent, and secure internet.
In our current ‘Web2’ world, our data and applications live on centralized servers owned by a few giant corporations. In the Web3 world, that data is distributed across decentralized networks.
This means that user data is no longer owned by a single company or institution but is entirely under the user’s autonomous control. It’s a move toward a more democratic internet where transactions are peer-to-peer, identities are secure, and the user is at the center of the ecosystem.
In your experience, what is the current reality of the gender gap within the Web3 sector?
While the Web3 industry is undoubtedly one of the most progressive sectors today, we have to acknowledge the fact that significant disparities remain. I truly believe that as we work to decrease gender bias, this industry can serve as an inspiration for other tech fields to follow, but we are not there yet.
The most pronounced issue is the persistent funding disparity, where women-led startups continue to receive significantly less capital than their male-led counterparts. This lack of access to funding creates a glass ceiling for many brilliant founders before they even get off the ground.
Furthermore, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across the ecosystem, which can sometimes create an environment that feels unwelcoming and limits the vision of what career advancement looks like for the next generation.
Finally, there is a clear gap in access to mentorship and strong role models. Navigating the complexities of the Web3 landscape requires a strong support network, and without those ‘door-openers,’ it becomes much more challenging for women to build successful, long-term careers.
What specific initiatives or changes should be implemented to effectively reduce this gap and foster more inclusion?
Promoting long-term gender equality in Web3 requires a multifaceted approach that moves beyond short-term fixes and focuses on building a sustainable pipeline.
The first pillar is education. We need to lower the barrier to entry by making the sector more accessible, not just through technical courses, but through events and platforms that normalize female participation in blockchain.
Another vital component is mentorship. Women need a professional ecosystem where they have direct access to peers and role models—a ‘safe space’ to ask questions, network, and navigate the technical complexities of this industry with confidence.
However, education and mentorship only go so far without financial backing. Providing direct capital to female entrepreneurs who traditionally lack access to venture funds is the most effective way to incentivize innovation.
When we fund women, we aren’t just checking a box; we are contributing to the actual economic growth and diversity of the entire sector.
This philosophy is exactly why we launched the Blockchain4Her program. With this initiative, we are committed to support women through incubation programs, pitch competitions, and global partnerships.
What advice would you give to a woman looking to break into Web3 or start her own business in this space?
I believe determination and resilience are one’s greatest assets. The Web3 space moves incredibly fast, and while gender bias is a reality we are working to change, you cannot let it discourage you. Instead, focus on your unique strengths and be ready to seize opportunities the moment they appear.
I always suggest starting with a clear plan and focus on small, consistent steps. Whether it’s learning a new protocol, making your first investment, or drafting a business model, progress is built day by day.
Most importantly, do not hesitate to join a community. Web3 is natively collaborative; find a network of peers where you can share knowledge and grow your network. Having that support system will make a lot of difference as you navigate your journey.
The path is not easy, and there will be challenges along the way, but the opportunity to shape the future is absolutely worth the effort!
