Bitget and WIW3CH on Why Web3 Still Needs More Women in Ownership, Funding, and Leadership

Women in Web3 are usually discussed in terms of representation numbers. Bitget CEO Gracy Chen and Elodie Jallet, Co-Lead for Romandie and Global Partnerships at the Swiss-founded network WIW3CH, say they want to shift that conversation toward ownership.

By that, they mean funding, technical education, founder networks, and leadership roles. The two are now working together, with Bitget’s Blockchain4Her program partnering with WIW3CH on education and events.

In an interview with BeInCrypto, Chen and Jallet made the case for the partnership. They also fielded questions on whether initiatives like theirs actually move the numbers.

Bitget says female founders receive only 6% of industry funding. What is Blockchain4Her doing about that, and how will you know it worked?

Chen: That 6% figure is exactly why we built it. I’ve faced gender bias as an entrepreneur myself, so the program isn’t a campaign bolted onto the side. We’ve put a $10 million fund behind female-led projects and tied diversity targets to our internal hiring and partnership standards.

As for results, we focus on the long-term success of the individuals we support. For example, we track the progress of participants from initiatives like our “Pitch n’ Slay” competition and the Blockchain4Her awards, monitoring how their projects evolve, scale, and secure further funding over time. 

This commitment to long-term change is also reflected in our large-scale partnerships, such as our work with UNICEF to provide digital and blockchain education to 300,000 young people. By focusing heavily on empowering girls through these educational programs, we are ensuring that our impact isn’t just felt by today’s entrepreneurs but is actively building a more balanced pipeline for the next generation.

What is the biggest barrier you actually see, capital or something earlier than that?

Chen: Capital is the visible one. Some investors still hesitate to fund female-led startups over unfounded assumptions about leadership or family commitments.

But there are two quieter barriers. One is the lack of visible role models and mentors to help newcomers navigate the space, share industry “tricks,” and provide a supportive environment for open communication.

The other is the confidence gap fueled by the sector’s perceived technical complexity and male-dominated demographic. When you don’t see yourself reflected in the room, it’s easy to doubt whether you belong. 

Ultimately, the combination of these factors creates a significant barrier to entry that requires both structural and cultural change to overcome.

How has your leadership influenced Bitget’s work with women-focused Web3 communities?

Chen: My leadership at Bitget is driven by the conviction that access to knowledge and opportunity should be universal, regardless of gender, age, or social background. This personal involvement ensures that our work with women-focused communities is not just a corporate checkbox, but a core value led from the top.

Internally, I lead by example to ensure Bitget reflects the diversity we advocate for globally, which is why 40% of our leadership positions are held by women. I strive to cultivate a “safe space” culture where everyone feels empowered to communicate openly and share ideas without hesitation.

WIW3CH grew from a Swiss initiative into 15 international chapters. What does that demand tell you?

Jallet: That the representation gap isn’t regional, it’s global. The rapid demand for WIW3CH chapters worldwide proves that women are actively looking for structured, safe environments to upscale their skills and build professional networks.

These women aren’t looking to be passive participants in a decentralized future. They want routes into technical and strategic roles.

What specifically are those women asking you for?

Jallet: Two things, consistently: serious educational resources and access to real professional networks. Many are pivoting from traditional finance, law, or Web2 engineering, so they’re not looking for superficial overviews.

They want deep technical and compliance literacy and structured mentorship. They also want access to specialists, including Web3 lawyers, tax advisors, and communications and HR people, who can help them build a venture without making avoidable mistakes.

There are several women-in-Web3 networks Bitget could have backed. Why WIW3CH, and how does your approach differ from the awareness-led model most of these initiatives use?

Chen: WIW3CH brings a hands-on approach to empowerment by organizing meaningful events that offer practical tips and deep-dive educational content. This focus on high-quality education is essential for helping women build the tangible skills and confidence needed to thrive in the sector. 

Ultimately, our collaboration is rooted in a shared vision for the future of the industry, and their proven ability to foster a supportive, knowledge-driven environment makes them an invaluable partner as we scale our impact together.

The biggest misconception about women-focused groups?

Jallet: That they’re social or exclusionary. WIW3CH is a skills-driven hub, with tech, legal, marketing, and DeFi expertise under one roof.

We help founders launch start-ups and we supply a qualified talent pool to the wider industry, which is dealing with a genuine talent shortage. For us, diversity isn’t a metric to report. It’s a precondition for building things that last.

What would real progress look like in two to three years, beyond inclusivity statistics?

Jallet: More female-founded Web3 protocols, more women managing venture capital allocations, and women holding permanent seats in compliance, AI, and infrastructure development. Progress means that having a female executive like Gracy Chen leading a global exchange becomes a standard industry norm, rather than an inspiring exception.

The partnership spans podcasts, articles, memberships, and events. Why so many formats?

Jallet: Because they map to different stages. The podcast is the entry point, highlighting real-world experiences and addressing the specific challenges women face, helping newcomers realize they aren’t alone.

Articles are the next step, offering practical tips and educational guidance that let women learn the technical and strategic sides at their own pace. Then events and membership provide the infrastructure for growth, connecting the mentors, peers, and institutional leaders who help someone move from learner to founder or executive.

Chen: That progression is the core of our vision. A woman’s journey into Web3 requires a multi-layered approach, and this partnership meets them exactly where they are. Blockchain4Her is here to accompany women every step of the way with effective support and tools. Joining grassroots trust with institutional reach is how you build the next generation of Web3 leaders.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice, nor an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instruments or digital assets. Any views expressed are based on current market observations and are subject to change. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Digital assets are volatile and may not be suitable for all investors. Readers should conduct their own independent research and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions. Restrictions may apply. 

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