The crypto world is abuzz with the latest evolution from one of its most influential figures. Months after his release from prison, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), whose net worth has surged to nearly $70 billion amid the ongoing crypto bull run, has announced a major transformation of Binance Labs. The venture arm is now rebranded as YZi Labs and will operate as a dedicated family office with an expanded investment mandate.
This strategic pivot marks a new chapter not only for CZ but for the broader Web3 and innovation ecosystem. YZi Labs will focus on high-impact sectors including Web3, artificial intelligence (AI), and biotechnology, while fostering innovation at the intersection of these transformative fields.
CZ Steps Into Role as “Intern,” Ella Zhang Returns as Leader
In a move that blends humility with hands-on mentorship, CZ has taken on the unconventional title of "Intern" at YZi Labs. While the title may sound symbolic—or even playful—it underscores his commitment to active, ground-level involvement in nurturing founders and guiding investment decisions.
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Despite the modest job title, CZ will remain deeply embedded in YZi Labs’ operations, serving on the investment committee and working directly with startup founders. His role is expected to include strategic advising, technical insights, and entrepreneurial coaching—drawing from his unparalleled experience building Binance into a global powerhouse.
Returning to lead YZi Labs is Ella Zhang, who co-founded Binance Labs with CZ back in 2018. Her return strengthens the leadership team and brings continuity to the organization’s mission. During her previous tenure, Ella led three successful incubation cohorts, supporting over 40 startups—including now-household names like Polygon, Injective Protocol, CertiK, Dune Analytics, SafePal, and Nym.
Under her guidance, YZi Labs aims to refine its incubation model, reintroducing a 12-week residency program designed to provide founders with immersive, collaborative support during their early development stages.
"YZi Labs isn’t just a name change—it represents our expanded vision to embrace transformative fields like AI and biotechnology. I believe under Ella’s leadership, YZi Labs will continue to identify and support founders who can create lasting impact."
— Changpeng Zhao
Expanding Focus: Web3, AI, and Biotech Innovation
YZi Labs is broadening its investment scope beyond its Web3 roots to include two of the most disruptive technological frontiers: artificial intelligence and biotechnology. This triad of focus areas reflects a belief that the next wave of innovation will emerge from the convergence of decentralized systems, intelligent algorithms, and biological breakthroughs.
The fund will actively explore projects where these domains intersect—such as AI-driven drug discovery platforms using blockchain-secured data, or decentralized identity solutions powered by biometric verification.
While expanding its horizons, YZi Labs remains grounded in fundamental principles: long-term value creation, technological depth, and real-world applicability. Investments will target startups with scalable solutions capable of driving industry-wide transformation—not just short-term market trends.
What This Means for Founders
For entrepreneurs in these cutting-edge spaces, YZi Labs offers more than capital. With CZ’s direct mentorship and Ella Zhang’s proven track record in incubation, founders gain access to strategic networks, technical expertise, and go-to-market support.
The relaunched 12-week residency program will offer selected startups intensive workshops, peer collaboration, and direct feedback from industry leaders—creating a fertile environment for rapid iteration and growth.
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Transitioning to a Fully-Fledged Family Office
According to an exclusive interview with Ella Zhang published by Bloomberg, YZi Labs is now operating as a pure family office investment vehicle. This shift means it no longer raises external capital or manages third-party funds. Instead, it deploys CZ’s personal wealth to back high-potential ventures across its core domains.
Key operational details include:
- Fully remote team with no formal headquarters
- Current team size of nine, aiming to grow to 20 with domain-specific experts
- Investment range: $500,000 to $50 million per project
- Willingness to invest in liquid tokens as well as equity or token pre-sales
- Active participation by CZ in all major investment decisions
Importantly, CZ does not plan to inject additional funds into YZi Labs immediately. His estimated net worth of $69.8 billion, ranked 22nd globally on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, stems entirely from his holdings in Binance. This substantial capital base ensures YZi Labs can operate independently and strategically over the long term.
A Proven Track Record in Venture Building
Before its rebranding, Binance Labs established itself as one of the most active and successful crypto venture funds. It invested in over 250 projects across more than 25 countries on six continents. Notable successes include:
- Sky Mavis (creator of Axie Infinity)
- Aptos Labs (high-performance Layer 1 blockchain)
- LayerZero (cross-chain interoperability protocol)
- The Sandbox (decentralized gaming metaverse)
The portfolio’s assets are primarily composed of tokens issued by these projects, with a reported paper value exceeding $10 billion. This legacy provides YZi Labs with both financial strength and deep ecosystem connections that will benefit future investments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did Binance Labs change its name to YZi Labs?
A: The rebrand reflects a strategic shift from a traditional venture fund to a family office model focused on long-term, founder-centric investments across Web3, AI, and biotechnology.
Q: Is CZ really an intern at YZi Labs?
A: Yes—he holds the official title of “Intern” as a symbolic gesture of lifelong learning and hands-on engagement. In practice, he plays a central role in investment decisions and founder mentorship.
Q: Who leads YZi Labs now?
A: Ella Zhang, co-founder of Binance Labs, has returned as head of YZi Labs, bringing extensive experience in startup incubation and venture development.
Q: Does YZi Labs still invest in crypto projects?
A: Absolutely. While expanding into AI and biotech, Web3 remains a core focus area. The fund continues to back innovative blockchain-based solutions.
Q: How large are YZi Labs’ investments?
A: Individual investments range from $500,000 to $50 million, depending on the stage and potential of the project.
Q: Is YZi Labs raising outside capital?
A: No. It now operates solely as a family office using CZ’s personal wealth, allowing for greater flexibility and long-term strategic focus.
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Final Thoughts
The evolution of Binance Labs into YZi Labs represents more than a rebrand—it’s a statement about the future of innovation. By embracing AI and biotechnology alongside Web3, and by prioritizing deep founder engagement through programs like its 12-week residency, YZi Labs is positioning itself at the forefront of technological convergence.
With CZ’s visionary presence—even if humorously titled as an intern—and Ella Zhang’s operational excellence, the new family office is poised to become a catalyst for groundbreaking advancements across multiple industries.
For founders pushing boundaries in decentralized tech, artificial intelligence, or life sciences, YZi Labs may just be the ideal partner to turn bold ideas into lasting impact.