Binance Labs Rebrands to YZi Labs: Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao Returns as Mentor

Binance Labs has changed its identity to YZi Labs.

The new entity will focus on non-blockchain native innovations spanning AI and biotech.

Binance Founder Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao will play a top role in the new entity.

Binance Labs, the venture capital arm of the cryptocurrency exchange , has changed its name to YZi Labs. According to a this new name represents a fresh start and greater independence. The change also shows that the organization will invest in a wider range of new technologies beyond blockchain.

YZi Labs to Focus on Web3, AI and Biotechnology

Notably, the firm has updated its focus to include Web3, artificial intelligence (AI), and biotechnology.

This change positions it as a forward-thinking player in key technology areas. Meanwhile, the rebranding comes as Binance aims to strengthen its role in the larger tech ecosystem. YZi Labs will expand its work to use its knowledge in blockchain and digital assets while exploring new opportunities in AI and biotech, which are rapidly developing fields.

According to the reports, all existing portfolio companies will maintain the same level of assistance from YZi Labs. The rebranding will not influence existing programs, resources, or initiatives. Similarly, the rebranding will not alter the incubation program or the support for BNB Chain’s Most Valuable Builder (MVB) program.

Under this rebranding, , the former CEO of Binance, will provide direct mentorship and coaching to the founders of the YZi Labs’ portfolio companies. He aims to offer hands-on support to help them grow. In addition to CZ’s role, Ella Zhang, who used to lead Binance Labs, will also lead as head of YZi Labs.

Intriguingly, Ella has been with Binance since inception and has experience in the industry. Her leadership is important for YZi Labs’ next steps in growing and innovating.

Binance Labs Invests in 46 DeFi, AI, Restaking and Gaming Projects

While 2025 is tagged “the Year of the Wood Snake” for Binance Labs, now YZi Labs, the VC arm achieved a lot in 2024. For YZi Labs, one of its key achievements in 2024 hinged on its backing of 46 projects. 14 were from its BNB Chain-focused MVB program or the chain-agnostic Labs’ incubation program. The other 32 came from direct investments.

Also, the venture capital firm noted that the distribution between infrastructure and application deals was evenly split at 50-50. The Decentralized Finance (DeFi) ecosystem was a beneficiary, accounting for 10 of the 46 projects. Similarly, the AI sector and Bitcoin (BTC) ecosystem received seven funding support each.

YZi Lab’s diverse investment portfolio spans multiple sectors, with strategic allocations including 4 projects in Restaking protocols, 3 in Gaming platforms, and 2 each in Zero-Knowledge (ZK) technology, Real World Assets (RWA), and consumer applications. A notable addition to their portfolio came in August 2024 with their in Particle Network, a growing Layer 1 blockchain platform focused on scalability and interoperability.

More recently, Binance Labs joined MitonC Fund, Maelstrom Fund, Breed VC, and ABCDE Labs to for Perena. Among other wins is the capacity to maintain a diverse portfolio across channels like Telegram, Solana, Ethereum, and major Ethereum L2s.

Additionally, Binance Labs talked about a few smaller investments in emerging ecosystems such as Berachain, Monad, and Initia, as well as more established ones like Stacks, Celestia, and Bittensor.