Binance Labs Rebrands to YZi Labs — But Why? 

TLDR

• Binance Labs is rebranding as YZi Labs.
• CZ will be involved in a mentor/coaching capacity.
• Ella Zhang will be the CEO. She’s a co-founder of Binance Labs.

Binance Labs is officially rebranding to YZi Labs. For those new to crypto, Binance Labs was the venture capital powerhouse tied to Binance, a name you probably recognize as one of the biggest platforms in the game. 

But this isn’t just a name change — YZi Labs is charting a bold new course that ventures far beyond the blockchain. Here’s a breakdown of what this means, why it matters, and the impact on Web3, AI, and biotech. 

What’s Behind the Rebrand? 

Shaking off the Binance branding, YZi Labs is striking out on its own. The rebranding signals its independence from the Binance ecosystem, though the ties aren’t completely severed. 

With this, YZi Labs is broadening its horizons to invest not only in Web3 and blockchain technologies but also in artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology. 

The message is clear: innovation isn’t limited to crypto. By entering sectors like biotech and AI, YZi Labs aims to support technologies that redefine industries and raise the stakes for startups worldwide. 

Leadership Shuffle Drives a Fresh Vision 

Another big change? Leadership. Who doesn’t love a familiar face? We knew it was only a matter of time until he was back on the scene, right?

Binance’s founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) is back — playing an active advisory role, mentoring startup founders, and helping to shape investment strategies. 

However, the real leadership torch has been passed back to Ella Zhang, former co-founder of the platform. 

If that name’s new to you, here’s the deal — Ella was the head of Binance Labs during its earlier days of success. Under her leadership, the firm supported projects like Polygon, CertiK, and Dune Analytics, which are now household names in the blockchain arena. 

With her back at the helm, YZi Labs is doubling down on a mission to be startup-friendly while focusing on sustainability and long-term growth. 

Expanding the Scope 

While Binance Labs was primarily blockchain-centric, YZi Labs is diversifying in three key areas: 

1. Web3 

The Web3 focus remains strong. With a renewed commitment to decentralized applications, the lab aims to keep advancing the blockchain space. Think of this as the “OG investment focus” that continues to evolve. 

2. AI 

Artificial intelligence is the hottest narrative, no just in crypto, but the whole world. And YZi Labs plans to capitalize on its potential across different industries. 

Whether automating workflows, optimizing data analysis, or creating smarter solutions, their investment in AI signals a desire to push innovation further. 

3. Biotech 

Biotechnology’s inclusion may seem unexpected, but it’s a move that shows YZi Labs is looking beyond digital solutions. Biotech is rapidly evolving, unlocking new ways to tackle global health issues, and YZi Labs wants in on that action. 

This multi-sector strategy gives the firm flexibility to adapt while opening doors for founders to develop boundary-pushing ideas outside of crypto. 

More Than Just Investments 

YZi Labs is not just investing in startups — it is also introducing initiatives to build its founders’ skills and networks. 

One major focus is retooling its incubation program. The revamped experience will offer startups a 12-week, in-person residency designed for collaboration, mentorship, and hands-on development. It’s like getting a Ph.D. in startup growth but way more practical. 

Projects benefiting from their incubation efforts might also find support through the BNB Chain Most Valuable Builder (MVB) initiative, which maintains ties to the Binance ecosystem. 

Why This Matters to All of Us 

If you’re new to crypto and wondering why this news matters, here’s the takeaway: By diversifying its focus, YZi Labs isn’t just betting big on Web3 or crypto alone — it’s hedging across technologies that could shape how we live, work, and interact with the world. 

• For startups, this means access to a broader range of resources, mentorship from some of the tech’s sharpest minds, and funding beyond the blockchain bubble. 
• For investors, it’s a signal that innovation is no longer isolated to crypto — it’s expanding, and fast. 
• For everyone, this means an expanded ecosystem of projects you might want to monitor, as they could impact everything from how you use the Internet to breakthroughs in healthcare. 

More Than a Name Change 

YZi Labs is making moves to be at the forefront of multiple groundbreaking industries. Their expanded focus signals that the crypto space — and its ecosystem — is growing into something more robust and future-ready. 

Whether you’re exploring crypto or looking to expand your knowledge about emerging technologies, this rebrand matters. And with a refreshed leadership team, a forward-thinking strategy, and an expanded scope, YZi Labs is positioned to leave a lasting mark.