Binance Labs rebrands to YZi Labs to progress independently

YZi Labs announced it changed its company name from Binance Labs to operate independently. The firm will expand its investment focus beyond crypto and blockchain to include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and biotechnology (biotech).

YZi also emphasized it will remain dedicated to advancing Web3 innovation with emerging technologies. The firm believes that Ella Zhang will take part in strategic investments which will propel YZi Labs into more growth and innovation.

Binance Labs to become YZi Labs moving forward

https://t.co/aJUYbae62O

— YZi Labs (@BinanceLabs) January 23, 2025

YZi Labs argued that the rebrand was a natural progression for the business. The organization revealed it operated independently for years while leveraging the Binance brand name. The firm also said it was natural to move on from Binance Labs since Changpeng had stepped down from Binance.

According to YZi Labs, Changpeng Zhao will continue to play a pivotal role under the new rebranding. CZ will be involved in investment activities, directly engage with founders, and offer mentorship and coaching. The firm acknowledged that Zhao’s hands-on approach highlighted YZi Lab’s commitment to adding value to the industry. Zhao’s experience in leadership in the field will also support and provide founders with unique opportunities to grow.

The company revealed that Ella Zhang will return as Head of YZi Labs. Zhang and Zhao launched Binance Labs in 2018, where she served as its first head. She spearheaded the first three batches of the Incubation Program during her tenure. The program supported over 40 startups, including Polygon, CertiK, Injective Protocol, Kava, Dune Analytics, SafePal, Elrond, and Nym. YZi Labs said Ella will bring her deep investment expertise with a founder-focused perspective to steer its next phase of growth.

CZ argued that the rebrand was more than a name change; it signified an expanded vision as the company broadened its horizons to include transformative sectors like AI and biotech. CZ also acknowledged Ella Zhang’s expertise and vision as instrumental in shaping YZi Labs’ early success. CZ said he is confident Zhang’s leadership will help the company continue identifying and backing founders who will drive long-term impact.

YZi Labs wants to focus on investments in Web3, AI, and biotech

YZi Labs revealed that it will invest in Web3, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. 

“While 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.”

– Ella Zhang, Head of YZi Labs

The venture capital firm will still remain focused on its fundamentals, such as backing projects with the potential for long-term impact. It will also support innovation that can drive the next wave of growth in the industry, regardless of market trends.

YZi Labs also said it will refine its Incubation Program and reintroduce in-person experiences through a 12-week residency. The Incubation Program will foster an immersive and collaborative environment for the company’s founders.

YZi Labs also assured that all its existing portfolio companies will continue to receive the same level of support. 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.

Zhang said the company will position itself as “a family office investment tool” that will manage $10 billion in crypto-related assets. YZi Labs will move from its previous venture capital structure to a wealth management entity by serving as an investment vehicle for Binance co-founder He Yi.

The firm also plans to include expertise across artificial intelligence and biotechnology by expanding its workforce to 20 members.

Binance Labs had invested into several projects before rebranding,  including Sky Mavis, Aptos Labs, LayerZero, Polygon and the Sandbox. Zhang revealed that the company’s assets consisted of tokens issued by projects it invested in and were worth more than $10 billion on paper in total.

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