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.