Main Takeaways:
- YZi Labs rebrands from Binance Labs to reflect its independence, while expanding its investment focus to include Web3, AI, and biotech.
- CZ takes an active role in investment activities, offering direct mentorship and coaching to founders; while Ella Zhang returns as Head of YZi Labs to lead the next phase of growth and innovation.
Binance Labs today announced its rebrand to YZi Labs. It is fitting to step away from the Binance brand name as it expands its investment focus, moving beyond crypto and blockchain to include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and biotechnology (biotech), while remaining steadfastly dedicated to advancing Web3 innovation.
The rebrand is a natural progression for the business. For years, the organization has operated independently while leveraging on the Binance brand name. Now, as CZ has stepped down from Binance, it is only natural for YZi Labs to also move on.
Under this rebranding, CZ will continue to play a pivotal role in investment activities, directly engaging with founders and offering mentorship and coaching. His hands-on approach continues to highlight YZi Labs' commitment to adding value to the industry and providing founders with unique opportunities to grow with the support of a respectable leader in the field.
Further strengthening YZi Labs' leadership, Ella Zhang returns as Head of YZi Labs. Together with CZ, Ella launched Binance Labs in 2018, where she served as its first head. During her tenure, she spearheaded the first three batches of the Incubation Program, supporting over 40 startups including Polygon, Injective Protocol, CertiK, Dune Analytics, Kava, SafePal, Elrond, and Nym. Ella stepped away in 2020 to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Now returning to lead YZi Labs, Ella brings her deep investment expertise with a founder-focused perspective to steer the firm's next phase of growth.
In the year ahead, YZi Labs will focus on investments in Web3, AI, and biotech, while exploring innovations at the intersection of these fields. Even with its broadened focus, YZi Labs remains laser-focused on the fundamentals, backing projects with the potential for long-term impact and supporting innovation that can drive the next wave of growth in the industry, regardless of market cycles or trends.
The organization will also refine its incubation program, reintroducing in-person experiences through a 12-week residency designed to foster an immersive and collaborative environment for founders.
"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," said CZ. "We're thrilled to welcome Ella back to lead this next phase. Her expertise and vision were instrumental in shaping the organization's early success, and I'm confident that under her leadership, YZi Labs will continue identifying and backing founders who will drive long-term impact."
"I'm excited to rejoin YZi Labs at this pivotal moment and reconnect with our founders and community. While the rebranding marks the start of a new chapter, our mission remains unchanged: to empower visionary founders who are building for the long term with strong execution. By venturing into new horizons in AI and biotech, while staying rooted in our Web3 foundations, we aim to push the boundaries of innovation and create lasting value for society," said Ella Zhang, Head of YZi Labs.
All existing portfolio companies will continue to receive the same level of support under YZi Labs. The rebrand will not affect existing programs, resources, or initiatives, including the incubation program and support for BNB Chain's Most Valuable Builder (MVB) program.
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About YZi Labs
YZi Labs is focused on transformative technologies. YZi Labs invests in all-stage ventures with strong fundamentals within Web3, Artificial Intelligence, and biotechnology, empowering visionary founders to build for long-term impact.
YZi Labs' portfolio covers over 250 projects from over 25 countries across six continents. More than 65 of YZi Labs' portfolio companies have gone through our incubation programs. For more information, follow YZi Labs on X.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, endorsement, analysis, or recommendations with respect to any financial instruments, investments, or issuers. This article may contain forward-looking statements which are by nature subject to risks and uncertainties. Investment in cryptocurrency and DeFi projects involves substantial risk, including the risk of complete loss. This article does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation, or specific needs of any particular person and each individual is urged to consult their legal and financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Binance Labs rebranding to YZi Labs?
The rebrand is a natural progression for the business. For years, the organization has operated independently while leveraging on the Binance brand name. Now, as CZ has stepped down from Binance, it is only natural for the business to also move on.
YZi Labs represents a new chapter as we broaden our focus to include AI and biotech alongside our unwavering commitment to advancing innovation in Web3. This rebrand reflects our mission to push the boundaries of innovation, making a lasting impact across these transformative industries.
What does the name "YZi Labs" signify?
YZi Labs represents our commitment to simplifying groundbreaking innovations in Blockchain, AI, and biotech, making it "Easy" for founders to pioneer the future.
Will YZi Labs have a new team?
The existing team remains in place, ensuring continuity as we transition into YZi Labs. CZ will take a more active role in investment activities, directly engaging with founders and offering mentorship and coaching. Additionally, Ella Zhang is rejoining as the Head of YZi Labs, bringing her leadership and expertise to further drive our mission.
What industries does YZi Labs focus on?
YZi Labs invests in all-stage companies within several key areas: Web3, Artificial Intelligence, and biotech.
What does "all-stage" mean for YZi Labs?
YZi Labs is dedicated to investing in exceptional companies throughout their lifecycle—early, growth, and late stages—as well as in liquid markets. Notably, we place a strong emphasis on supporting visionary founders, whether by helping them build from scratch through our incubation program or by making early-stage investments during their formative phases.
How does YZi Labs plan to shape the future?
Our investments aim to understand and influence how the world operates in the future by supporting projects, startups and companies that positively contribute to society. We prioritize projects with long-term viability and a positive impact on the people, organization, environment, economy, or society.
Is YZi Labs connected to Binance?
No, YZi Labs has always operated separate from Binance.
What happens to existing portfolio companies?
There will be no changes for portfolio companies. All existing support, programs, and resources provided to our portfolio companies will remain unaffected by the rebrand.
Will YZi Labs continue its incubation program?
Yes, YZi Labs will elevate its incubation program by dedicating even more resources. The revamped program will reintroduce in-person incubation and transform into a 12-week residency. Its goal is to create an immersive environment where visionary founders can focus on building while fostering a supportive community for connection and collaboration.
How can founders pitch their projects to YZi Labs?
Founders with innovative ideas aligned with our investment focus can submit their proposals via this link.