In a recent study conducted by Hacken, analyzing 80 crypto and tech startups, a concerning gender imbalance has been highlighted, particularly in the representation of female founders and C-level executives. Out of the total startups examined, only 10 are led by female founders.
Hacken’s analysts observed a stark gender disparity in the startup ecosystem, with male founders and C-level executives outnumbering their female counterparts by a significant margin, with a ratio of nearly 9:1 in most cases.
Moreover, when looking at the top 100 Twitter crypto influencers, only five are women. Additionally, out of 1,000 op-eds, interviews, and articles published across major media outlets, male experts were mentioned significantly more, with 867 mentions compared to only 127 mentions of female experts.
The prevalence of multi-founder startups in the current landscape was also noted by Hacken, indicating that collaborative efforts are common among entrepreneurs in the crypto and tech space. While the number of women in key roles remains low, the existence of some female founders and C-level executives presents an opportunity for greater diversity and inclusivity in the future.
A separate study by crypto.news in late 2023 revealed that although men account for approximately 70% of crypto ownership, the level of female engagement in the crypto industry varies globally. Countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, India, and the U.S. have seen a rise in female participation. However, gender disparities persist in leadership positions within the sector.
The findings from these studies underscore the importance of promoting gender diversity and inclusion within the crypto and tech industries to create a more equitable and representative ecosystem for all participants.
