Binance Labs rebrands to YZi Labs, expands focus to AI and biotech with CZ mentorship

Changpeng Zhao steps back into direct mentorship as YZi Labs redefines its mission to include artificial intelligence.

Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content.

Binance Labs has officially rebranded as YZi Labs and expanded its investment scope to include artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology, according to a Jan. 23 statement shared with CryptoSlate.

YZi Labs aims to foster groundbreaking projects in Web3, AI, and biotech while identifying potential synergies across these sectors. The firm hopes to drive meaningful innovation by supporting ventures with solid fundamentals and long-term potential.

Ella Zhang, co-founder of Binance Labs, will return to lead YZi Labs. Under her previous leadership, Binance Labs launched its incubation program and nurtured over 40 projects, including Polygon, Injective Protocol, and Dune Analytics.

Zhang affirmed that while the rebrand signals growth, the company’s core mission of supporting transformative technology remains unchanged. She added:

“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.”

As part of the rebrand, YZi Labs will revamp its incubation initiatives by introducing a 12-week residency program. This initiative will provide a collaborative environment for founders, fostering creativity and innovation.

Meanwhile, existing projects in the company’s portfolio will continue to receive the same level of support, ensuring a seamless transition.

CZ’s role

Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao, renowned for his former leadership at Binance, will take on a more hands-on role at YZi Labs. He plans to mentor founders directly, helping them refine their strategies and unlock new opportunities.

Zhao said:

“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.”

The development follows CZ’s departure as Binance CEO in November 2023 after a legal settlement in the US that resulted in a four-month sentence that was concluded in September 2024.

Since then, CZ has shifted focus to investing in AI and blockchain projects and his educational initiative, Giggle Academy.

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