On January 23, 2025, Binance Labs revealed big news by renaming to YZi Labs and appointing Binance founder CZ Zhao as its leader.
The platform updates its name and service model to become a family office while starting a new investing journey. YZi Labs introduced CZ as its CEO with Ella Zhang, who co-founded Binance Labs in 2018. Zhang made several successful startups into major blockchain and cryptocurrency market players by backing projects such as Polygon, Injective, Dune Analytics, Certik, and SafePal.
Through its business restructuring, YZi Labs plans to invest in more than just cryptocurrency and blockchain assets. The organization said it will research business opportunities in artificial intelligence, Web3 infrastructure, and biotech innovations.
“Rebranding to YZi Labs is more than a name change—it signifies an expanded vision as we broaden our horizons to include transformative sectors like AI and biotech,” CZ said.
Binance Labs Rebrands to YZi Labs Strategy
Following CZ’s departure as CEO of Binance, he runs YZi Labs into new business directions in 2023. Acme Corporation’s CEO resigned after legal issues that involved serving four months in U.S. prison. Since returning to freedom in September 2024, CZ invests in projects that benefit society without chasing financial gains.
After his release, Zhao announced his intention to put impact investments at the forefront of his strategy through an X (formerly Twitter) update. Through Giggle Academy, he wants to launch an educational program that teaches students how to think creatively and innovate.
Under the new structure, YZi Labs will strengthen its existing venture capital incubation activities. The company needs to restart its residency program for startup creators and will continue supervising its existing 250 projects. CZ wants to develop new technologies and wants his company to work in multiple sectors.
Under its new vision, Binance Labs seeks to shape both the crypto world and emerging tech sectors through strategic changes.
