Part 2: Times Are Changing & Women May Become The New Face of Blockchain And Cryptocurrency
While the number of women involved in blockchain and cryptocurrency may still be considerably less than men, this trend may be changing. Many individuals, particularly women, see the field as confusing and untouchable. It is essential to increase awareness through education and an understanding of the basic principles for this new technology movement to succeed. Women could actually prove to be an essential part of the advancement of the blockchain and crypto movement. More perspectives create more ideas which encourage discussion and growth.
According to market research done by the London Block Exchange, as of June 9th, the number of women looking into investing in cryptocurrencies leaped from 6% to 13% . The greatest increase came from female millennials (1 out of 5). While men jump at various new ideas, women tend to hold back, research and ask friends before making important decisions. For this reason, women are seen as moving slower throughout the investment world.
The key to engaging more women — knowledge. Former Olympic Snowboarder turned crypto expert, Maria Prusakova has always been passionate about people, finance and the law. She formerly worked in management for UBS and HSBC Private Banks in Switzerland and Monaco. Such passions lead her to work as part of the M&A PR team that was helping numerous crypto start-ups. Her engagement with experts such as Don Tapscott and Bobby Lee as well as various startup leaders peaked her interest. Just by being immersed in the movement was she able to learn and expand her knowledge.
Such mentorships gave her the confidence to co-found Crypto PR Lab which is a boutique advisory firm for crypto and blockchain projects. Her partner, Alexandra Karpova brings a business development background and a passion for all things crypto. The duo is working to help blockchain startups with not only their white paper, but they also conduct security checks to ensure the Initial Coin Offering will comply with all regulations. In addition, they do PR for startups to warm up investors to the idea of not only blockchain but for cryptocurrency. While these females are on the cutting edge of all blockchain and crypto technology, they also have the knowledge and background to be PR masters.
Amber Baldet, CEO and Co-Founder of Clovyr and #11 in Forbes 40 under 40, is another woman making considerable strides in blockchain. She formerly led the blockchain program at America’s biggest bank, JPMorgan Chase. On Wall Street, she led the team that built Quorum, a Ethereum modified blockchain developed for business. She was also appointed to the board of the Zcash Foundation, a nonprofit that governs the cryptocurrency. Baldet left Wall Street behind to found her own blockchain startup, Clovyr. The company helps teams of all sizes build and develop companies using a decentralized platform. Once again, another woman wanting to help others understand the vast nature and potential of blockchain and cryptocurrency.
Women have been and will continue to be the best promoters and teachers of blockchain and cryptocurrency. They tend to be more patient. They want, need and try to understand all the nuances of industries like blockchain and cryptocurrency so they can have a better grasp of the concepts. This allows them to be better teachers and promoters. Therefore, while it may take women a bit longer to jump on board, in the end, they are more informed investors which makes them perfect advocates.
