Bitget And Wiw3Ch On Why Web3 Still Needs More Women In Ownership, Funding, And Leadership

What Happened

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Market Context

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

Why It Matters

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?

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.

Details

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.

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

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.

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.

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.