TruBit CEO Maggie Wu’s Journey in Web3

Maggie Wu is an early crypto evangelist and a seasoned entrepreneur. As the CEO and co-founder of Krypital Group and Galactic Holdings—the parent company behind TruBit—Wu has helped shape the growth of digital financial inclusion across Latin America and beyond. Her track record includes incubating Web3 unicorns, securing millions in venture funding, and building cross-border crypto infrastructure in some of the world’s most underserved markets.

In this SheVerified interview, Wu offers rare insight into what it takes to scale in emerging markets, raise capital in a bear cycle, and stay resilient as a woman driving impact in a male-dominated industry.

You had a strong cross-industry background before launching Krypital and Galactic Holdings. What made you transition into Web3?

Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I have always been passionate about how technology can reshape the world. In 2017, I delved into blockchain and quickly recognized its potential to transform the global financial system. Though it was still a niche market at the time, I was convinced it would become the foundation of future financial infrastructure.

What is your vision for crypto’s role in financial inclusion, and how can we ensure it doesn’t just replicate the inequalities of traditional finance?

While traditional banking is essential, challenges like high costs, slow transactions, and limited access persist, especially in cross-border payments. Crypto enables faster, more accessible, and cost-effective financial services, especially for the unbanked.

To ensure true financial inclusion, we focus on lowering barriers, improving financial education, and prioritizing long-term value over speculation. At TruBit, we aim to build an open, efficient, and user-friendly financial system that empowers individuals.

Your company is also an investor and incubator of high-growth Web3 projects. What qualities do you look for in founders when selecting which teams to back?

When selecting investment projects, I look for several key qualities in founders. First is industry understanding and vision—a deep understanding of market trends paired with a clear long-term outlook. 

Then comes experience and execution ability, meaning the founder has relevant background and expertise, and can efficiently turn ideas into reality. I also value adaptability and learning agility, the ability to quickly adjust strategies and continuously optimize both products and business models. 

Another essential trait is resilience and market endurance, or the determination to persist through market cycles and navigate challenges. 

Lastly, I consider the potential for global expansion—whether the team can scale across different markets and establish a strong competitive advantage.

Speaking of global expansion, you have successfully led TruBit’s expansion across LATAM and Asia. What were the biggest challenges you faced during this time?

In Latin America, governments have been introducing regulatory frameworks in recent years, creating a relatively open environment for crypto. Regulators are generally willing to collaborate with companies to explore compliance pathways, but this requires time and continuous dialogue. 

The positive side is that users in Latin America are highly receptive to new fintech solutions. 

Culturally, our team is primarily composed of local talent, starting in Mexico and expanding into Argentina, Brazil, and other markets, allowing us to integrate deeply into the local ecosystem. However, finding the right talent remains a challenge—it takes time to refine and optimize a strong team.

In Asia, particularly Hong Kong and Singapore, crypto regulations are ahead of the curve compared to other parts of the region, but still evolving relative to the US and Europe. As newcomers to the Asian market, we are still in the exploration phase. 

However, strong partnerships and my own background in Asia have provided advantages in both networking and cultural adaptability.

Despite the challenges, you’ve continued to lead with impact. One standout achievement is raising capital in a bear market. What lessons can founders, especially women, learn from your experiences?

Fundraising in a bear market is not just a challenge—it’s a true test of resilience and long-term value. 

For entrepreneurs, especially women, my advice is to lead with confidence and conviction—investors need to believe in you before they believe in your company. Resilience is equally important, particularly when navigating the volatility of this market and staying focused on your long-term vision. 

It’s also essential to leverage your network by actively building relationships and seizing every opportunity that comes your way.

What challenges have you faced as a woman from your early days in the industry? And what barriers do women continue to face in crypto leadership today?

As a woman entering this industry, I inevitably encountered stereotypes and even unwarranted doubts based on gender or appearance. In a male-dominated space, women often have to work even harder to prove their expertise and earn trust. But for me, these challenges have been a source of motivation. I firmly believe that true value creation transcends gender—what truly matters is deep expertise, continuous growth, and a relentless drive for innovation and change.

In the fields of entrepreneurship, investment, and technology development, women are still very much in the minority. One of the biggest challenges we face is fundraising—there’s a clear disparity, with female founders consistently receiving far less venture capital than their male counterparts. 

There’s also the technical entry barrier. This industry started with a strong developer-driven culture, and for a long time, there just weren’t many women in technical roles, which made it even harder to break in. 

And then there’s the lack of support systems. Many women struggle to find mentors or access the kind of professional networks and resources that can help them grow.

What are the first three steps you’d recommend to women looking to build a strong foundation in this industry?

For women looking to enter the Web3 industry, I recommend focusing on three key areas. First, learn the fundamentals—start by understanding blockchain, cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and DeFi. You can quickly get up to speed through online search, industry media, online courses, industry reports, and community learning. 

Second, gain hands-on experience. Whether by joining a Web3 company, investing, or starting your own project, practical involvement is more important than just theory. 

And third, build a strong network. Join industry communities, find like-minded peers and mentors, and integrate into the Web3 ecosystem as early as possible.

In your view, how can the industry actively support more women in founding, investing, and scaling Web3 companies?

Establishing dedicated funds and incubators to support female entrepreneurs, building strong women-led communities for mentorship and networking, and encouraging more women to enter technical roles are all critical steps toward lasting change. 

A more inclusive Web3 ecosystem will not only create opportunities for women but also lead to greater innovation and diversity in the space.