CZ Makes First Investment Through Rebranded Former Binance VC Arm 'YZi' With YZi, CZ will focus on investments in Web3, AI, and biotech, while exploring innovations at the intersection of these fields

By Entrepreneur Staff

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Wikimedia Commons

A few days after former Binance CEO Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao announced the rebranding of the severed Binance Holdings' venture capital arm to YZi Labs, the cryptocurrency personality has made his first investment into a startup focused on simplifying token distribution and bringing credential verification on-chain.

"By focusing on everyday applications such as contract signing with EthSign, token distribution and management through TokenTable, and on-chain credential verification using Sign Protocol, Sign is paving the way for the mass onboarding of billions of Web2 users into Web3, one application at a time," read the official release.

Founded in 2021, Sign is a token distribution platform providing transparent and secure token transfers for both humans and AI agents. Its omni-chain attestation protocol is widely used, generating $15 million in revenue in 2024. Over 200 projects, including Movement, Starknet, and ZetaChain, rely on Sign.

According to Fortune, YZi reportedly has invested USD 16 million.

With YZi, CZ will focus on investments in Web3, AI, and biotech, while exploring innovations at the intersection of these fields. "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. According to the entity, post-CZ's departure from the largest crypto exchange, it was a natural progression for the VC arm to shed its Binance image.

YZi Labs will finetune its incubation program and reintroduce in-person experiences through a 12-week residency for founders. Currently, it oversees USD 10 billion worth of crypto-related assets amassed since Binance days.

Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

For more than 30 years, Entrepreneur has set the course for success for millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. We'll teach you the secrets of the winners and give you exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for success.
Growing a Business

The 10 Best Podcasts Every Entrepreneur Should Listen to for Growth, Strategy and Success

Unlock your potential with the 10 must-listen podcasts for entrepreneurs, offering expert insights on growth, strategy and success.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Growth Strategies

JLR To Ramp Up Production Of Made In India Range Rover & Range Rover Sport; To Focus On SV Variants: Rajan Amba

We are focusing on tailor made limited edition cars, specifically for the Indian market, catering to the high net worth individuals (HNIs), says Rajan Amba, MD, JLR India

Business Solutions

From Boardrooms to Virtual Calls: Your AI Meeting Coach Is Here

Hedy ensures you never miss a beat, whether in-person or online.

Franchise

4 Tips for Selecting the Right Location for Your Franchise

Stay true to your model and understand your guests so your new location will create the same experience they've come to expect everywhere you operate.

News and Trends

Nikhil Kamath's WTFund Backs 22 Young Entrepreneurs with Grants & Mentorship

WTFund's second cohort, spanning 50+ cities, showcases startups across Tech, D2C, Edtech, Fintech, and more. Tier I drives AI/ML B2B solutions, while Tier II/III focus on vernacular-first B2C innovations.