Faces of Web3: Mona Shaikh, Web3 is a Joke
February 11, 2025
Mona’s journey into Web3 is as unique and vibrant as her comedic talent. It all began in 2016 when a documentary on cryptocurrency sparked her curiosity, and by 2020, a neighbour’s introduction to Bitcoin sealed the deal. After diving into the Bitcoin whitepaper and exploring the intricacies of blockchain technology, Mona was hooked. She fell in love with the decentralised world and decided to leap in headfirst, combining her 15+ years of experience as a comedian with her newfound passion for Web3.
Recognising the challenges plaguing the comedy industry—ownership, monetisation, and fan engagement—Mona saw Web3 as the ultimate solution. She founded Web3 is a Joke, a groundbreaking initiative that uses comedy as a bridge to mass adoption. Through crypto and Web3 comedy roasts held globally, Mona and her team have discovered that humor opens minds, making complex concepts like blockchain and cryptocurrency more accessible and engaging and undeniably fun. Here’s her story.
How did you get started in the Web3 space?
I watched a documentary about crypto in 2016 and in 2020 my neighbor introduced me to Bitcoin, I read the whitepaper, learned about blockchain, fell in love and decided to jump in head first.
What was your motivator to found Web3 is a Joke?
As a veteran comedian of 15+ years I know firsthand the issues that plague comedy and the business of comedy. Web3 helps resolve MANY of those problems from ownership of data, fanbase, naming your own price, multiple streams of revenue etc…the possibilities are endless. I founded Web3 is a Joke as a bridge to help with mass adoption. We do crypto and Web3 comedy roasts around the world and found that people actually feel a lot more open to learning and being educated about Web3 or crypto when it’s in a comedic setting and are willing to be more open. Our objectives are simple: Use comedy to bridge the gap between comedy/entertainment/normies and Web3 and become the premier comedy event at every major crypto conference around the globe including our homebase, Los Angeles.
The definition of ‘Web3’ is quite broad and varies depending on the industry backgrounds of the people you speak to. How do you define the term?’
To me Web3 is Crypto, Metaverse, NFTs, Memecoins and even Gen AI. I define it simply: we live in Web2 where corporations own all your data and make all the money but in Web3 you own your data and you get to make most if not all of the money. The main difference that I feel is between the central and the decentralised world.
What do you determine to be the biggest societal opportunities that Web3 brings?
Web3 is changing the world for the better in my opinion. The societal opportunities are people not being stuck in 9-5 jobs they hate, ability to build wealth that one central government or party can’t take from you, new professions emerging, financial education (which has been non-existent), AI assisting in medical research to cure cancer and other incurable diseases and the empowering of the average person who’s no longer just going to be a consumer but also be educated enough to invest.
And what do you see as the biggest challenge that the Web3 community faces?
The Web3 community faces TWO major challenges: Non-Web3 people don’t understand it and they don’t trust it. That’s where Web3 is a Joke comes in to work its magic.
What are some career highlights in your Web3 journey?
We’ve quadrupled in 2 years, SOLD OUT events: Bitcoin Miami, Roast of Altcoin Daily, Roast of Crypto WendyO and Consensus Hong Kong (sold a month in advance) and featured in Yahoo and IBN.
What’s coming up for you and Web3 is a Joke in 2025?
EthDenver, Memecon Lisbon, Roast of Wall Street in LA, ETHSF, Bitcoin Vegas, ZebuLiveUK, Token 2049 Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Rasal Khaimah.
What inspires you to stay motivated professionally?
I love what I do and am incredibly blessed and grateful for this ability to perform comedy and combine it with the greatest technology we’ve come across to enhance every aspect of my career and business while entertaining folks and help them become educated about Web3 tech and crypto… around the globe. I hit the jackpot!
When you’re not working, where would we most likely find you?
At the dog park with my fur child named Babaloo, she’s a pitbull mix and the sweetest pup on the planet. Also I love to cook, meditate and go for long walks. You can connect with Mona on LinkedIn and X. Discover more about Web3 is a Joke on X. Loved Mona’s story and want further inspiration? Discover more in our exciting “Faces of Web3” series via our blog.
