Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, co-founder of Binance, has embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of YZi Labs, an investment firm managing an estimated $10 billion in cryptocurrency and related assets. This venture also oversees the wealth of Yi He, Binance’s co-founder and former CEO, with the firm’s name honoring her legacy. Returning to lead this ambitious initiative is Ella Zhang, who played a pivotal role in founding Binance Labs in 2018. In a recent statement, Zhang revealed YZi Labs’ focus has shifted toward operating as a dedicated family office investment entity, emphasizing personalized wealth management.
This bold move showcases Zhao's ability to adapt and diversify his interests. While Binance rose to global prominence as the largest cryptocurrency exchange, often defying traditional corporate norms, Zhao’s latest endeavor underscores a strategic pivot. YZi Labs is now setting its sights on high-growth sectors like artificial intelligence and biotechnology, actively recruiting top talent to spearhead these efforts.
YZi Labs differentiates itself from Binance Labs by broadening its investment scope. Previously, Binance Labs supported various crypto-centric projects, including notable names like Sky Mavis, Polygon, and Aptos Labs. In contrast, YZi Labs employs a flexible investment model, with plans to issue checks ranging from $500,000 to $50 million. This progressive approach has already generated significant traction, with over 91% of its tokens sold during the presale phase. By expanding into new frontiers while retaining its cryptocurrency roots, YZi Labs aims to redefine investment strategies for the future.