Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of Web3, Sida Stella Zheng stands out as a visionary entrepreneur, co-founder of the groundbreaking Rosen App. With a career that spans traditional finance to cutting-edge blockchain technology, Sida’s journey is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and success. This article delves into the background of this year’s winner of the Leader of the Year Award with Women in Web3 Hong Kong, including her  achievements, and vision for a more inclusive Web3 ecosystem.

Background and Career Path

Sida Zheng’s professional journey began as an analyst at State Street, one of the world’s largest custodian banks. This experience provided her with a deep understanding of traditional finance, which she later leveraged in her role as Program Director at 500 Global. It was during this time that she became captivated by the potential of Web3 technologies, particularly stablecoins, which she saw as game-changers for cross-border payments.

This fascination led her to co-found Rosen App, a pioneering social platform that harnesses blockchain and AI to facilitate seamless global interactions. Rosen App has achieved remarkable success, boasting over 27,000 users across 90 countries and receiving notable recognition, including a grant from Circle and first place in the PayPal PYUSD Pitch Competition.

Achievements and Impact

Sida’s achievements extend beyond Rosen App. She co-authored the influential ‘2021 China College Student Entrepreneurship Report,’ which shed light on the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem in China. This report was widely covered by prominent media outlets like People’s Daily and cctv.com, further solidifying her commitment to fostering innovation. The report surveyed an impressive 13,742 students from 1,431 universities across 275 cities in China, providing valuable insights into the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Challenges as a Woman in Web3

Despite her success, Sida acknowledges the challenges faced by women in the predominantly male-dominated Web3 space. She notes that many Web3 products and communities lack appeal for female users, a gap she aims to bridge with Rosen App. Sida supports initiatives like Women In Web3, advocating for greater inclusivity and diversity in the industry.

Inspiration, Role Models, and Advice for Women in Web3

Sida draws inspiration from trailblazing female founders such as Tan Hooi Ling of Grab and Melanie Perkins of Canva. Their stories of building impactful businesses from scratch motivate her to continue pushing boundaries in Web3. Her advice to women entering the Web3 space is to be bold and persistent. In an industry still in its early stages, staying committed to one’s vision is crucial. Sida emphasizes the importance of identifying strengths and focusing on specific areas to make meaningful contributions. On her personal life and balance, Sida admits that as a founder, achieving work-life balance is challenging. However, she finds support in her family and the fulfillment of pursuing her dreams.

“Be bold and persistent. In an industry still in its early stages, staying committed to one’s vision is crucial.” ~Sida Zheng

Future Plans and Goals

Looking ahead, Sida plans to expand Rosen’s user base and forge more corporate partnerships, with a special focus on empowering women in Web3. Initiatives like the City Star program, which involves 40 female influencers promoting Rosen locally, are part of her strategy to create a more welcoming environment for women in the industry.

Web3 Industry Insights

Sida is particularly enthusiastic about the growing adoption of stablecoins in cross-border transactions. With stablecoin transactions surpassing those of traditional payment giants like Visa and Mastercard, reaching an annual transaction volume of over $16 trillion, she sees this as an irreversible trend that empowers users and creates equitable opportunities, especially for women. Rosen App’s integration of stablecoin payments and AI translation features enables users, including stay-at-home moms, to participate in the global economy with ease.

Community Involvement

Sida actively mentors at the Blockchain Societies of the Communication University of China and the University of Washington. She frequently participates in tech conferences like NFT.NYC, Women In Tech, and Breakpoint to share her insights and encourage more women to join the Web3 space.

Conclusion

Sida Zheng’s journey is a powerful example of innovation and dedication in the Web3 space. Her work with Rosen App and her advocacy for greater inclusivity in the industry serve as a beacon for women and entrepreneurs worldwide. As the Web3 landscape continues to evolve, figures like Sida will play a pivotal role in shaping its future.

At Mobile Growth Association, we see mobile as the connective tissue between emerging technologies and real-world impact — and Web3 is no exception. As mobile continues to drive access and innovation globally, it’s also the foundation for building more inclusive digital economies. Supporting women like Sida Stella Zheng and organizations like Women in Web3 aligns with our mission to spotlight bold leadership, foster community, and drive growth across the tech ecosystem. By celebrating women in Web3, we’re not just recognizing their achievements — we’re amplifying the future they’re helping to build. Join us every Wednesday for Web3 Wednesdays, where we highlight the leaders, builders, and big ideas shaping the decentralized future.