When people think of Binance, the first name that comes to mind is Changpeng Zhao. But behind the scenes, Yi He has quietly been the force making sure the empire doesn’t crumble. She’s the co-founder who steps up when the stakes are highest, keeping the team steady and the company growing.
From Humble Beginnings
Yi He grew up in a poor village in Sichuan, China. Life was tough — no clean water, scarce electricity, and her father passed away early. But he left her a priceless gift: a bookshelf. Through books, she discovered the world beyond her village.
Even though she initially studied education to become a teacher, curiosity pulled her in another direction. She became a TV host, and that early leap taught her an important lesson: credentials aren’t everything; mindset and timing are what matter.
Early Bet on Crypto
In 2013, while Bitcoin was still seen as a scam, Yi He saw opportunity. She joined OKCoin as Head of Marketing and met CZ. Years later, when CZ was building Binance, Yi He agreed to join — famously saying: “I’m expensive. You can’t afford me.” But she came on board, ready to handle marketing, community, and growth while CZ focused on systems.
They became partners in life and work, raising three kids while building one of crypto’s most intense companies. CZ designs, Yi He executes — together forming a “steel alliance.”
The Operator Behind Binance’s Rise
Yi He isn’t about titles. She’s about action. She handles crisis management, team coordination, and culture, keeping Binance steady even in storms. While CZ builds, Yi He makes sure the engine runs smoothly. Reports suggest she controls at least 10% of Binance’s equity, and in December 2025, she was appointed Co-CEO alongside Richard Teng.
Her Mindset: Risk, Responsibility, Resilience
Yi He grew up with nothing, so she’s not afraid to lose. She believes most suffering comes from chasing others’ dreams — she follows her own. Crypto is like a chessboard: you can lose pieces, but never your conviction.
She also proves that ambition and family can coexist. Returning to work after childbirth, she shows that motherhood doesn’t mean giving up on dreams — it’s all about choices, not sacrifices.
Why Yi He Stands Out
From rural poverty to running a multi-billion-dollar empire, Yi He’s story is one of persistence, responsibility, and fearless execution. In a volatile industry where many fade fast, she thrives because she sees clearly, acts decisively, and refuses to wait for permission.
💡 What do you think about Yi He’s journey? Could you imagine thriving in crypto with the same clarity and courage she shows every day?
