The blockchain and cryptocurrency industry has long been dominated by male voices, but a growing wave of female leaders is reshaping the space with innovation, strategic vision, and operational expertise. As Web3 continues to evolve beyond speculation into real-world adoption, these women are driving meaningful change—whether through startup incubation, exchange growth, or mass education.
Sabrina Schaffer – The Web3 Startup Advisor
Sabrina Schaffer is a seasoned startup advisor, Web3 strategist, and the founder of Unconventional Leaders – a boutique consultancy that helps Web3 startups turn vision into functioning, scalable businesses.
With over 15 years of experience working with global firms such as PwC, KPMG, Bayer, Cerberus, Credit Suisse and Bain Capital, Sabrina has led strategic transformations and operational turnarounds in both corporate and startup environments.
Today, she brings that expertise to the Web3 space, guiding founders from ideation to MVP, and from MVP to sustainable growth.
Sabrina works hands-on with first-time and experienced founders to define product-market fit, build traction-ready MVPs, and lay the operational groundwork for long-term success. Her advisory style is clear and execution-focused, offering the mentorship startup leaders need to thrive.
Selected use cases include Edge Video AI, Immersifi or Crays Clubs or Amlok, where she helps founders to focus on building revenue-generating MVPs, the processes behind it and getting traction with clients.
Gracy Chen – The Exchange Leader Driving Mass Adoption
Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, has been instrumental in transforming the exchange into one of the fastest-growing platforms in the crypto space. Before taking the helm, she worked in media and marketing, bringing a unique perspective to crypto’s accessibility challenges.
Under her leadership, Bitget has expanded aggressively, securing high-profile partnerships (including a sponsorship deal with Lionel Messi) and launching initiatives to onboard retail and institutional traders.
Some of her notable achievements include:
- Quadrupling Bitget’s user base through strategic marketing and localized expansion.
- Pioneering copy trading features, making crypto trading more approachable for beginners.
- Advocating for regulatory clarity, working with policymakers to ensure compliance without stifling innovation.
Chen’s leadership demonstrates how exchanges can evolve beyond speculation hubs into gateways for mainstream adoption.
Alicia Kao – The Educator Bridging Web3 Knowledge Gaps
Alicia Kao, Managing Director at KuCoin, has made blockchain education a cornerstone of her work. Recognizing that adoption hinges on understanding, she has spearheaded KuCoin Learn, a platform that has educated over 1.5 million users on crypto fundamentals, DeFi, and Web3 applications.
Kao’s approach focuses on demystifying blockchain technology for non-technical audiences, ensuring that newcomers can participate confidently. Her efforts include:
- Localized educational content in multiple languages, catering to global audiences.
- Interactive learning tools, such as tutorials and quizzes, to reinforce knowledge.
- Thought leadership at major conferences, where she discusses regulatory trends and emerging Web3 use cases.
By prioritizing education, Kao addresses one of the biggest barriers to Web3 adoption: knowledge asymmetry.
Conclusion: The Future of Web3 Relies on Diverse Leadership
The blockchain industry is maturing, and the contributions of these women highlight the multifaceted expertise needed to drive real-world adoption. Whether through operational guidance (Schaffer), exchange innovation (Chen), or education (Kao), their work proves that Web3’s success depends on more than just technology—it requires strategic leadership, accessibility, and inclusivity.
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