The future of artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just about smarter algorithms—it’s about better, more ethical data. As AI models grow increasingly powerful, the demand for high-quality, private, and diverse datasets has surged. Yet, the current system leaves individuals out of the equation, with massive tech corporations capturing nearly all the value generated from personal data. That’s where Vana steps in.
YZi Labs has made its first strategic AI investment since rebranding, backing Vana, a groundbreaking platform pioneering user-owned AI data and data interoperability. This move signals a broader shift in innovation focus—from Web3 alone to transformative technologies at the intersection of AI, data sovereignty, and decentralized infrastructure.
With CZ, former Binance CEO, joining Vana as an advisor, and strong support from YZi Labs, the project is poised to redefine how personal data flows through the AI economy—fairly, securely, and transparently.
The Rise of Data as a Digital Asset Class
By 2025, it’s estimated that 329 million terabytes of data will be generated every day, contributing to a personal data economy projected to reach $1 trillion. Despite this staggering volume, individuals who generate the data see little to no benefit. Instead, centralized platforms hoard and monetize user information without consent or compensation.
Vana challenges this status quo by introducing a programmable data sovereignty layer built on its own EVM-compatible L1 blockchain. This infrastructure enables users to retain full ownership of their personal data while choosing exactly who can access it—and under what terms.
Through DataDAOs (Data Decentralized Autonomous Organizations), individuals can pool their anonymized or permissioned data into collective datasets, which are then used to train next-generation AI models. In return, contributors earn rewards—turning passive digital footprints into active income streams.
👉 Discover how decentralized data networks are reshaping AI innovation
Empowering Users, Fueling AI Advancement
Vana’s mission goes beyond decentralization—it’s about rebalancing power in the AI ecosystem. By placing control back in the hands of data creators, Vana ensures that the people driving AI progress also share in its rewards.
Researchers, developers, and enterprises gain access to unique, high-quality datasets that are otherwise difficult or expensive to obtain. These datasets span areas like social behavior, health metrics, mobility patterns, and financial activity—critical inputs for building robust, real-world AI applications.
At the same time, users maintain full agency over their information. They can revoke access at any time, set granular permissions, and even dictate pricing models through smart contracts. This trustless exchange model eliminates intermediaries and fosters transparency across the data lifecycle.
“Data sovereignty is becoming a critical issue as AI advances,” said Andy Chang, Investment Director at YZi Labs. “Vana is pioneering a model where individuals retain control over their data while enabling groundbreaking AI research. We’re excited to support their mission to redefine how data is accessed, shared, and leveraged in the AI economy.”
Accelerating the DataDAO Ecosystem
With the new funding from YZi Labs, Vana plans to significantly expand its DataDAO ecosystem, which already includes over 16 active networks preparing to launch their own data tokens. These tokens represent fractional ownership and governance rights within specific data pools, creating new mechanisms for value distribution and community-driven curation.
Key initiatives include:
- Scaling infrastructure for secure data exchange and storage
- Incentivizing new contributors with token-based rewards
- Onboarding additional DataDAOs across industries like healthcare, finance, social media, and mobility
- Building bridges for data financialization beyond crypto, enabling integration with traditional financial systems
This expansion positions Vana not just as an AI infrastructure play—but as a foundational layer for a new data economy where privacy, ownership, and utility coexist.
Shared Vision: AI Meets Decentralized Innovation
Both YZi Labs and Vana share a conviction: the most impactful innovations emerge at the convergence of technology and human empowerment.
“Data is a competitive advantage when it comes to training next-generation AI,” said Anna Kazlauskas, Creator of Vana. “As the space becomes increasingly dynamic, new entrants like DeepSeek are rapidly shaking up the status quo. Competing at this pace requires continuous access to high-quality private data—and that’s exactly where Vana comes in.”
She added: “Together with YZi Labs, we’re well positioned to seize this growing opportunity that’s transforming every industry and experiencing exponential growth beyond crypto.”
YZi Labs’ decision to invest underscores its evolved mandate: supporting early-stage ventures with strong fundamentals in Web3, AI, and biotechnology. With a portfolio spanning over 250 projects across 25 countries, YZi Labs continues to back builders shaping the future of digital ownership and intelligent systems.
👉 Explore how blockchain is enabling next-gen AI ecosystems
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Vana?
Vana is an open, decentralized network that enables individuals to own and monetize their personal data through DataDAOs. Built on an EVM-compatible blockchain, it provides a secure environment for sharing private data with AI developers while ensuring user control and compensation.
How does user-owned data work?
Users store their data in secure personal servers connected to the Vana network. They can choose to contribute anonymized or permissioned data to collective datasets used for AI training. Access is governed by smart contracts, and contributors earn rewards based on usage.
What are DataDAOs?
DataDAOs are decentralized organizations formed around shared datasets. Members pool their data, govern its use collectively, and distribute earnings via native tokens. Each DataDAO operates autonomously on the Vana blockchain.
Why is data sovereignty important for AI?
Without data sovereignty, individuals lose control over how their information is used—and miss out on economic benefits. For AI development, diverse and ethically sourced data leads to fairer, more accurate models. Vana bridges these needs by aligning incentives between users and innovators.
Who is CZ’s role in Vana?
CZ serves as an advisor to Vana, bringing deep expertise in blockchain ecosystems, decentralized governance, and large-scale technology adoption. His involvement strengthens Vana’s credibility and strategic direction.
How does YZi Labs’ investment impact Vana’s roadmap?
The investment accelerates Vana’s growth by funding technical development, expanding the DataDAO network, incentivizing contributors, and building infrastructure for cross-industry data financialization—from crypto into healthcare, mobility, and finance.
A New Era of Ethical AI Infrastructure
As AI reshapes industries—from medicine to transportation—its foundation must be reimagined. Centralized data monopolies hinder innovation and erode trust. Vana offers a compelling alternative: a decentralized, user-first model where data ownership is non-negotiable.
With strong backing from YZi Labs and visionary leadership from figures like CZ and Anna Kazlauskas, Vana is well-positioned to lead this transformation.
The integration of blockchain, AI, and decentralized governance isn’t just theoretical—it’s already happening. And it starts with giving people back what’s theirs: control over their digital selves.
👉 Learn how you can participate in the decentralized data revolution