In a significant development for the cryptocurrency venture capital space, YZi Labs, the rebranded iteration of Binance Labs, has announced its first investment since the return of founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao from prison. The firm, which now operates as the family office of CZ and Binance co-founder Yi He, led a substantial $16 million funding round into Sign, an innovative startup focused on simplifying token distribution and bringing credential verification onto the blockchain.
From Binance Labs to YZi Labs: A Strategic Rebrand
The transition from Binance Labs to YZi Labs marks a pivotal shift in the firm’s identity and operational focus. No longer solely the venture capital arm of the Binance exchange, YZi Labs now serves as the personal investment vehicle for CZ and Yi He. This restructuring allows the duo to take a more hands-on approach to their investments, with CZ poised to play an active role in nurturing and guiding the companies within the YZi Labs portfolio.
Implications for the Crypto VC Landscape
The emergence of YZi Labs as a family office signals a noteworthy shift in the crypto venture capital ecosystem. As two of the most influential figures in the industry, CZ and Yi He’s direct involvement in early-stage investments has the potential to reshape the landscape, attracting increased attention and capital to promising projects that align with their vision for the future of blockchain technology.
Sign: Simplifying Token Distribution and On-Chain Verification
YZi Labs’ inaugural investment in Sign underscores the firm’s commitment to supporting groundbreaking solutions in the cryptocurrency space. Sign’s mission to streamline token distribution processes and enable on-chain credential verification addresses critical pain points for projects seeking to build trust and transparency with their communities.
Proper distribution builds trust, and verification is an essential part of it. As more people move on-chain, this is a critical part of the foundational infrastructure.
– Changpeng Zhao, Founder of YZi Labs
By simplifying token airdrops and integrating robust verification mechanisms, Sign aims to create a more seamless and secure experience for projects and users alike. YZi Labs’ substantial $16 million investment in the startup is a resounding vote of confidence in Sign’s vision and potential to drive widespread adoption of decentralized technologies.
CZ’s Return and the Future of YZi Labs
CZ’s return to the helm of YZi Labs following his release from prison in September 2025 has been met with great anticipation within the crypto community. After serving a four-month sentence for violating the Bank Secrecy Act and agreeing to pay a $50 million fine, CZ stepped down as CEO of Binance as part of his guilty plea. His re-emergence as a key figure in YZi Labs’ investment strategy marks the beginning of a new chapter for both the firm and the wider industry.
- A Renewed Focus on Early-Stage Investments: With CZ’s return, YZi Labs is poised to double down on identifying and supporting the most promising early-stage projects in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space.
- Leveraging Expertise and Network: CZ and Yi He’s extensive experience and vast network within the industry position YZi Labs to provide unparalleled guidance and resources to its portfolio companies.
As YZi Labs embarks on this new era under the leadership of CZ and Yi He, the firm’s impact on the crypto venture capital landscape is set to grow exponentially. With a keen eye for disruptive technologies and a proven track record of success, YZi Labs is well-positioned to identify and nurture the next generation of game-changing projects in the decentralized economy.
The Road Ahead for Crypto Venture Capital
The rise of YZi Labs as a prominent family office in the crypto venture capital space heralds a new era of investment and innovation. As more high-profile industry leaders step into the role of active investors, the competition to identify and support groundbreaking projects will only intensify. This, in turn, is likely to fuel the growth and maturation of the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem as a whole.
With YZi Labs leading the charge, the future of crypto venture capital looks brighter than ever. As the firm continues to deploy capital and expertise into transformative projects like Sign, the stage is set for a period of unprecedented advancement and adoption in the world of decentralized technologies.
