Rebranding Announcement: Binance Labs Transforms into YZi Labs
YZi Labs, often associated with the personal ventures of Binance's co-founders, has undergone a rebranding and is set to broaden its investment focus to sectors like artificial intelligence (AI) and biotech. The move follows CZ (Changpeng Zhao) distancing himself from Binance, and the rebranding of Binance's venture capital division to YZi Labs, which was announced in December.
CZ, in his comments on the rebranding, emphasised the expansion of the vision to include sectors like AI and biotech. He will continue to play a key role in the firm's investment activities, directly advising project founders, serving as a mentor, and providing support.
During her tenure at Binance Labs, Ella Zhang, now the Head of YZi Labs, backed more than 40 startups, including Polygon, Injective Protocol, CertiK, Dune Analytics, Kava, SafePal, Elrond, and Nym. She has returned to head YZi Labs, bringing her extensive experience in strategic investments and leadership.
Under Zhang's leadership, YZi Labs is committed to expanding the blockchain ecosystem by supporting projects that align with its mission to merge traditional finance with blockchain technology. A notable example is the $135 million investment in Digital Asset, a developer of the Canton Network, which aims to facilitate the tokenization of real-world assets for financial institutions.
The rebranding also includes the launch of the BNB Treasury Company, a venture that offers U.S. investors regulated access to BNB and the broader BNB Chain ecosystem. This initiative combines the strengths of the BNB ecosystem with institutional asset management expertise.
YZi Labs will continue to commit to Web3 innovations and support all existing portfolio companies at the same level. The focus and vision of YZi Labs under Ella Zhang's leadership are centered on leveraging blockchain technology to bridge gaps between traditional finance and digital assets, thereby expanding the reach and applicability of blockchain innovations.
In line with the rebranding, CZ highlighted YZi Labs' expanded focus into sectors like artificial intelligence and biotech, positioning technology and innovation at the forefront of its strategic investments. Ella Zhang, now leading YZi Labs, will leverage her expertise in traditional finance and blockchain technology to invest in and support projects that integrate these fields, further extending the reach and utility of blockchain innovations while injecting artificial intelligence capabilities to bolster business operations.
