ChainTech Africa

June 5, 2025

CoinDesk has unveiled its highly anticipated Top 50 Women in Web3 and AI list, celebrating a diverse group of visionaries, technologists, investors, and policymakers who are reshaping the digital frontier. This year’s list recognizes women whose work at the intersection of decentralized technologies and artificial intelligence is redefining how we interact with data, finance, identity, and each other.

The honorees come from a range of backgrounds—blockchain protocol architects, AI ethicists, startup founders, VC leaders, DAO operators, and policy advocates—highlighting the growing synergy between Web3’s decentralized ethos and AI’s transformative intelligence.

A Convergence of Technologies — and Leadership

As Web3 matures and AI technologies become increasingly embedded into decentralized systems, the need for ethical, innovative, and inclusive leadership has never been greater. This year’s list recognizes pioneers who are not just building new platforms but also setting the standards for governance, safety, and human-centric design.

“This year’s honorees are more than builders—they are changemakers,” said Emily Parker, Executive Editor at CoinDesk. “They’re defining the frameworks that will guide the responsible development of technologies that could fundamentally reshape how the internet, finance, and data ownership work.”

Standout Names on the 2025 List

Among the most notable names on this year’s list:

• Aya Miyaguchi, Executive Director of the Ethereum Foundation, for her advocacy of public goods funding and open-source AI tools on Ethereum.

• Fei-Fei Li, AI scientist and co-director of the Stanford Human-Centered AI Institute, for her influence in shaping the future of safe AI and her collaborations with Web3 communities focused on decentralized AI models.

• Denelle Dixon, CEO of the Stellar Development Foundation, for her efforts integrating AI-driven analytics into blockchain-based financial inclusion platforms.

• Mira Murati, CTO at OpenAI, recognized for her work in open-source LLM integrations into decentralized knowledge networks.

• Simone Maini, CEO of Elliptic, for leading the use of AI in blockchain compliance and on-chain forensics.

Other honorees include influential developers in zero-knowledge proofs, creators of AI-powered DAOs, founders of Web3 media platforms using generative AI, and policy leaders advocating for ethical AI governance in blockchain ecosystems.

A Rising Force in Venture, Policy, and Protocols

This year’s list also marks a noticeable rise in female-led investment initiatives in the AI and Web3 space. Women VCs are increasingly backing projects at the convergence of both technologies, emphasizing transparency, safety, and inclusivity.

In policy, several honorees have been instrumental in guiding legislation on AI and blockchain across the EU, U.S., and Asia—driving efforts toward global standards for AI-integrated decentralized systems.

Building the Next Internet

With Web3 and AI on a path toward convergence, the CoinDesk Top 50 highlights the critical role women are playing in ensuring these technologies develop with ethical foresight and a commitment to digital equity.

“The future of the internet must be decentralized, intelligent, and inclusive,” said honoree Cathy Hackl, founder of the Futures Intelligence Group. “The women on this list aren’t just participating in the future—they’re designing it.”

As these leaders continue to influence protocol development, AI integration, and regulatory progress, the 2025 cohort represents more than excellence—it embodies the vision for a more ethical, accessible, and empowered digital world.