IWD 2026, The Women Who Move Us: Meryam Habibi, Chief Revenue Officer at Bitpace

Meryam Habibi is the Chief Revenue Officer at Bitpace, with experience in Big Tech product marketing and the global financial market more broadly. 

Please tell us about yourself and your journey in the tech/startup world.

My journey began at Samsung, where I mastered the fundamentals of product marketing and rapid innovation. That experience taught me that in tech, you either evolve or become redundant.

I eventually pivoted into the fintech space, focusing on revenue-driven roles and payments in emerging markets, where I honed my expertise in strategic partnerships and business development. Having held various commercial leadership roles, I’ve developed a holistic understanding of how to launch and scale products globally. I don’t just see “sales” or “marketing”, I see how every function must synchronise to drive genuine, sustainable growth.

Based in London for over six years, I have focused on navigating the complexities of the global financial landscape from one of the world’s most vibrant Fintech hubs.

What has been one defining moment in your career so far, and how did it shape the way you lead or build today?

The most defining moment was my transition from the structured environment of a global multinational like Samsung to the high-velocity world of startups. In a multinational, you have established frameworks and vast resources. In a startup, you are the framework. This shift required a radical evolution of my leadership style.

I had to move from managing established processes to building them from scratch while maintaining momentum. I learned that startup leadership isn’t about delegating within a system, but it’s about being an architect of culture and operational agility.

You have to be comfortable with ambiguity and lead with a “hands-on” transparency that inspires a lean team to punch above its weight. This experience taught me that true growth happens when you trade a corporate safety net for the challenge of building from nothing.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the tech/startup landscape, and how did you navigate them?

In a male-dominated industry, “getting a seat at the table” is only the first step. The real challenge is ensuring your voice shifts the conversation’s direction. Earlier in my career, I felt pressure to represent, but I now see my role as an architect of change.

Leadership, to me, isn’t a title; it’s the responsibility to remove barriers for others. I navigate these challenges by acting as a high-level collaborator. I focus on creating a “low-ego, high-intelligence” environment where teams feel safe to propose radical solutions. By prioritising collective intelligence over individual authority, I’ve found that you can dismantle outdated mindsets and foster a culture where talent is the only currency that matters.

What’s something you think the tech world/startup industry is getting right when it comes to supporting women?

The increase in visibility and targeted education is a strong start. We are seeing more women represented on fintech panels, in hiring pipelines, and in decision-making roles than ever before. This visibility is crucial because “you cannot be what you cannot see.”

However, while these foundations are being laid, the real progress is driven by today’s leaders who actively mentor and advocate for structural change. In the crypto and fintech space specifically, we are beginning to recognise that diversity isn’t just a “metric”, it’s a competitive advantage that leads to better, more inclusive financial products.

Conversely, where is there still work to be done in supporting women in tech and startups?

International Women’s Day is a celebration, but it’s also a reality check. While women make up nearly half of entry-level tech roles, the “broken rung” remains an issue, with only about 25% reaching the C-suite.

Progress is happening, but the pace is insufficient. We need to move beyond awareness and toward radical transparency in promotion pathways and equity distribution. The real test isn’t just getting women into the room, but ensuring they have the institutional support and authority to stay there and lead.

Looking ahead, what change would you most like to see for women in tech over the next five years?

I want to see 50/50 representation in boardrooms as the standard, not the exception.

In fintech and crypto, diversity is essential for building better systems. We are currently seeing stablecoins and DeFi transform global commerce, particularly in emerging markets. If we want these systems to be truly inclusive, they must be built by leaders from diverse backgrounds who understand different lived experiences.

Over the next five years, I hope the industry moves from “talking about” diversity to fundamentally embedding it into the DNA of every startup from Day 1.

What advice would you give to women who are just starting out in tech or considering founding their own company?

Early in my career, I rarely saw leaders who reflected my own path. That experience shaped my commitment to visibility. My advice is to seek out environments where your voice is not just heard but integrated into the strategy.

To truly make an impact, you must be prepared to challenge structural barriers and create environments where talent can thrive regardless of background. If fintech is about removing barriers to financial inclusion, we must also remove the barriers limiting who shapes its future. Don’t just ask for a seat at the table, but work to expand the table for those following behind you.

Wins and Wisdom: A Quick Q&A

What about beyond the complete focus on career and a little more insight into Meryam’s philosophies, lessons learned and sources of inspiration? Here are a few quick questions that helped us understand a little more about who Meryam Habibi really is.

1. Who is a woman, past or present, who inspires you the most and why?

Sheryl Sandberg.

Her tenure as a C-suite leader in big tech was instrumental in changing the conversation about women in leadership. Her quote, “One day, there won’t be female leaders. There will just be leaders,” embodies the ultimate goal, a world where leadership is judged by impact and vision, not gender.

2. What’s a book, podcast or resource that has helped shape your career?

“The Art of War”, by Sun Tzu.

Its lessons on strategic flexibility, understanding the “terrain” of a market, and the importance of winning through preparation are timeless. It has shaped how I approach competitive business landscapes, teaching me that the most effective leaders are the most adaptable.

3. Can you share a quote or mantra that motivates you when things get tough?

Thomas Edison: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

In the high-velocity world of fintech, things rarely go perfectly on the first try. This mindset turns every setback into a data point, keeping the focus on finding the best solution rather than dwelling on the obstacle.

4. What’s one win or achievement from your career that you’re especially proud of?

Beyond the business growth and transaction volumes I’ve achieved, my greatest “win” is the number of team members I have seen grow into successful leaders. Seeing people I once mentored now thriving in senior roles is more rewarding than any KPI. True career success is measured by the talent you help cultivate.

What’s one habit or ritual that keeps you motivated and inspired every day?

I make it a point to have at least one conversation a day that has nothing to do with KPIs or project updates. Focusing on the person behind the role keeps me connected to the “why” of our work and ensures that my leadership remains “human-first.”

Would you like to participate in our 2026 International Women’s Day Interview series? Contact us