Women in Crypto: Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future

Explore how women are transforming the crypto landscape, breaking barriers, and leading innovations in blockchain on this International Women’s Day.

Key Takeaways

Women are increasingly making their mark in the male-dominated crypto sector, with some out-earning their male counterparts.
Only a small percentage of leadership roles are held by women, underscoring the challenges of gender representation in the industry.
Ten pioneering women are redefining the landscape of blockchain and digital finance, leading companies and initiatives that drive innovation.

Women in Crypto: Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future

The Evolving Role of Women in Crypto

Traditionally, Silicon Valley has been a tough environment for women, often dominated by tech giants and an entrenched "bro culture." However, the landscape of cryptocurrency offers a refreshing contrast, as women are establishing a strong presence in this evolving field. By launching their own startups and taking on influential roles at leading crypto companies, they are transforming the narrative of women in finance.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s important to highlight ten inspiring women who have rejected the conventional paths of Silicon Valley, choosing instead to lead and innovate in the world of cryptocurrency. Their stories embody resilience, courage, and the growing influence of women in this cutting-edge industry.

The Current Landscape for Women in Blockchain

Despite facing numerous hurdles, women in blockchain are experiencing notable advancements. A 2024 study by Pantera Capital reveals that, in some cases, women are earning more than men in the cryptocurrency space, suggesting a progressive shift toward gender equality.

Women outearn men in crypto

However, while women's salaries may reflect progress, the representation in leadership roles remains low—only 7% of Web3 founders are women, and 27% of employees in top crypto startups are female according to the Boston Consulting Group. This stark contrast illustrates the persistent barriers within the sector. Still, women in crypto are not backing down; they are seizing opportunities to redefine the future of digital finance.

Context Note: As of 2024, a staggering 69% of crypto owners identify as male, highlighting the ongoing challenge of inclusion in an industry that is still finding its footing.

Pioneering Women in Cryptocurrency

Meet ten remarkable women who have diverged from the traditional tech path to revolutionize finance, technology, and policy in the cryptocurrency realm:

Galia Benartzi is a driving force in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. As the co-founder of Bancor, the first automated market maker, she successfully executed over $2 billion in token swaps. After dealing with a significant 2018 hack, she founded the Crypto Defenders Alliance to enhance security in DeFi.
Lily Liu, president of the Solana Foundation, is instrumental in the resurgence of Solana blockchain, guiding it to a record high in November 2024. Her extensive background includes roles as CFO in multiple countries and co-founding Earn.com, later acquired by Coinbase.
Elizabeth Stark is propelling the future of Bitcoin through her work as co-founder and CEO of Lightning Labs, which developed the Lightning Network to improve transaction speed and cost. She is a staunch advocate for decentralization and open-source technology.
Caitlin Long, a former Wall Street executive, founded Custodia Bank to bridge the gap between traditional banking and crypto. She played a significant role in drafting groundbreaking legislation in Wyoming and developed a Bitcoin custody service.
Ophelia Snyder co-founded 21Shares, the first crypto exchange-traded product (ETP) in 2018, which expanded access to cryptocurrency for retail investors. Under her leadership, the company has grown significantly and has pioneered Bitcoin ETFs.

Did you know? The term "crypto bro" emerged during Bitcoin's market fluctuations in 2018, marking the stereotype of overly enthusiastic male investors promoting risky behavior.

Laura Shin has been a key journalist in the crypto space since 2015. She transitioned from Forbes to become the first full-time mainstream journalist covering crypto, making complex topics accessible to a broader audience.
Perianne Boring leads the Chamber of Digital Commerce, advocating for blockchain policies. Her efforts have made the Chamber the largest trade organization in the industry, enabling significant strides in digital asset adoption.
Dahlia Malkhi, PhD, former Microsoft researcher and now the chief research officer at Chainlink Labs, is pushing the boundaries of cryptography. She’s also involved in ambitious projects like Spacecoin, aiming to establish decentralized networks beyond Earth.
Emilie Choi, president and COO of Coinbase, is navigating the company through volatile markets. Under her leadership, Coinbase reported a remarkable 88% year-over-year increase in revenue, reflecting her effective strategies.
Neha Narula is at the forefront of digital currency research at MIT, addressing critical challenges in crypto. Her background includes high-profile work at Google, advising major institutions to advance crypto research.

These women's contributions are not just about individual success; they represent a collective effort to reshape the crypto landscape, making it more inclusive and innovative.

Expert Insight: Women in crypto are essential to fostering diversity, which can lead to more creative problem-solving and improved business outcomes, making the sector more resilient.