EcstaSHE Spotlight: Fiona Delaney
In our third edition of the EcstaSHE Spotlights, we once again shine the spotlight on a female builder in Web3. This time around, we spoke with Fiona Delaney. A true builder, Fiona is deeply involved with developing open-source commons, including open data, open standards and open software. Read on for your take on Web3 and her business experience.
At Thrilld Labs, we believe that the future of Web3 is shaped by connectivity and action-driven collaboration. That’s why we launched EcstaSHE, a business community for female Web3 professionals, leaders, and execs. We are thrilld to feature women in our network who are building the future of Web3.
In this third edition, we're excited to shine the spotlight on Fiona Delaney, the CEO and founder of tech start-up Origin Chain Network. Fiona has co-authored numerous papers on blockchain, DLT and sustainable food and was recognised as 'one to watch' in European technical innovation, winning the EU Innovation Award in 2020 for her contributions to agriculture and technology.
In addition, Fiona is actively involved in several influential groups and initiatives. For instance, she was appointed Co-Chair of the EUOS Standards Observatory Blockchain WG and has jointly led the Blockchain Ireland Startups and Web3 WG since 2021. A veteran of the EU blockchain and DeFi innovation, Fiona is deeply involved with developing open-source commons, including open data, open standards and open software.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Fiona to learn more about her work and, importantly. her thoughts on the Web3 business space.
What are you currently building or working on within the Web3 space?
I’m involved in multiple initiatives.
With SEEBLOCKS, I’m building awareness around international standards in blockchain and DLT. In 2024, I had the pleasure of working with Eth.Dublin, Eth.Sofia, the Institutional Digital Assets Forum in Brussels, IEEE, ISO, and developers in the Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Solana communities and I am excited to continue this in 2025.
With the Trip-Animal-Agri project, I’m a blockchain architect in an all-women led team building an AR mobile game on Solana. Launching later this year, the game’s first location is the mountainous farmlands of Crete, where users can explore local history, meet food producers, and experience Greek hospitality - both in the game and in real life.
What are your ambitions for 2025? How do you see yourself making an impact?
My main ambition in crypto is to stay engaged with developments, support those building meaningful projects, and continue learning from the community.
On the business side, my goals include:
- Launching our agri-tourism AR mobile game on Solana.
- Exploring renewable energy and potential business opportunities in the space.
- Spending more time on my own farm, a biodiverse wilderness on the southern coast of County Kerry, Ireland.
- Being more present with my kids, who keep me grounded and never miss a chance to remind me how embarrassing it is to have a “crypto mom.”
What’s the most valuable business tip you’ve learned, and how has it impacted your growth?
Two key lessons stand out:
- Visibility is a superpower, but it doesn’t equate to credibility.
- In rooms full of experts, lean into strong communication.
Tell us what advice you would give to women starting out in Web3. How can they make an impact on the industry?
Be fearless, stay curious, and keep asking questions.
When in doubt, ask directly: “Worst case, how am I getting screwed in this scenario?” Then validate with multiple perspectives.
Most importantly, build the world you want to see, because no one else will do it for you.
Thank you, Fiona!
Web3 is bringing about a new world. What kind of world? An open, decentralized space where trustless tech thrives, individuals innovate, and communities continue to collaborate, we’d argue with some added alliteration.
Women like Fiona are leading the way. We want you to join us in building that future. Whether you’re just starting out or are already in the space for a decade, EcstaSHE offers a space to connect, collaborate, and share in opportunity.
To read more on how Web3 is bringing new opportunities for women and, we might even add, brings about Fifth Wave of Feminism… check out our article --> Women + Web3: About a Merit-Based Space, Some Systemic Challenges, & a Fifth Wave of Feminism.
Join EcstaSHE
EcstaSHE seeks to connect action-oriented, professional female decision-makers in and around Web3 to enable networking and business collaborations. To this end, EcstaSHE offers regular sessions with panel discussions or fire chats, a siloed networking environment, newsletters, and other growth possibilities.
EcstaSHE members get prioritized access to conference tickets where Thrilld Labs provides giveaways. We also actively build speaking gigs, interviews, and business opportunities (at times) provided by our partners, whilst we also publish articles about business topics. We welcome women from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and expertise levels
To learn more about EcstaSHE and how to get involved, read more here or apply here.
