Bitget CEO Gracy Chen Reacts to the Battle for Equal VC Funding in Women-Led Crypto Projects!

The crypto space has traditionally been a male space, yet women in crypto are increasingly leaving their mark. Bitget CEO Gracy Chen is among the prime champions of gender equality, bringing to the forefront the conversation challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Web 3. Even with their technological expertise, women face crypto leadership challenges, including inadequate venture capital backing and male network circles. With programs such as Blockchain4Her, Chen provides a more inclusive environment and bridges the gap in gender representation.

Issues Confronting Women in Crypto Leadership

Women are just 13% of Web3 startup founding teams, highlighting the underrepresentation gap. The biggest barrier is funding; female-led startups receive disproportionately lower funding than male-led initiatives. This disparity keeps most women from making progress to leadership positions, creating a cycle of underrepresentation.

“The decentralized nature of crypto and its ability to change the way the world looks at finance was what initially drew me in,” Chen told Cryptonews in a recent interview. “One of the biggest challenges was breaking into leadership circles where female representation was scarce. Early on, I had to navigate skepticism and biases, proving my expertise repeatedly in a space where women often have to work harder to be taken seriously,” she said.

Networking also plays a crucial role in career advancement, yet many industry connections are built within male-dominated spaces. Without access to these circles, women struggle to gain visibility and secure the resources needed for success in the blockchain industry growth.

Leading by Example: How Bitget Empowers Women in Web3

To address gender representation, Bitget launched Blockchain4Her, a program supporting female entrepreneurs in Web3. Through mentorship, grants, and networking, the program provides women with essential tools to grow their businesses.

With Chen’s leadership, Bitget has achieved a milestone. 40% of its managers are women, which shows the company’s commitment to diversity. By hiring based on talent rather than gender, Bitget is breaking the mold for the broader blockchain industry growth.

Despite such initiatives, crypto leadership challenges still exist. Many crypto networking events are male-dominated, thus making it more challenging for women to make industry contacts. Women business owners are also often put through old-school assumptions, e.g., their potential to be in charge following marriage or childbirth.

The Future of Women in Crypto

Chen emphasizes financial literacy and networking for women in crypto. Chen urges women to learn about blockchain technology, get involved in crypto communities, and make use of free learning resources.

With programs such as Blockchain4Her and raising awareness of gender imbalances, the industry is beginning to see the benefit of diverse thought. More businesses are also taking active steps to recruit and advance women, which will have a long-lasting effect,” she said.

To drive impactful change, the industry has to undertake inclusive hiring practices, mentorship programs, and financing programs committed to women entrepreneurs. With initiatives like Blockchain4Her gaining momentum, the blockchain sector growth may witness a move towards a more diversified and decentralized future.

The Path to Gender Equality in Crypto

The future of women in crypto lies in breaking barriers and establishing a broadening space. Although there are setbacks, leaders such as Gracy Chen demonstrate that transformation can be achieved through sponsorship and joint efforts. The growth of the blockchain sector is for sure, and promising equal access to women will ensure its long-term growth.