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- Binance Labs has rebranded to YZi Labs to expand into the AI world
- The rebrand brings back former Binance CEO Chanpeng Zhao as a mentor and maintains Ella Zhang as the head
- YZi Labs will also venture deeper into web3 and biotechnology
Binance Labs has rebranded to YZi Labs to allow it to venture into blockchain and non-blockchain sectors like AI and biotechnology. Ex-Binance Labs’ head Ella Zhang will lead the new outfit while former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao will “take an active role in mentoring and coaching startup founders.” The platform said that the rebrand is meant to detach it from the Binance brand to allow it to chart its own path and expand its investment focus, something that may allow it to position itself as a key player in the blockchain, AI, and biotechnology ecosystems.
“12-Week Residency” Program Returns
YZi Labs revealed that it will dive deeper into the web3 world while also exploring other industries. Apart from coaching startup founders, Zhao will also help the firm to develop an investment strategy. Under Zhang’s leadership, Binance Labs supported projects like blockchain analytics platform Dune Analytics and Ethereum layer 2 network Polygon.
gm we’re kickstarting 2025 with a brand new name and expanded investment focus ✨
Why YZi Labs? Pronounced “easy labs”, it reflects our mission to make innovation “easy” for builders and founders to pioneer the future.
We’re dedicated to empowering visionary founders and… https://t.co/DtlFQ6jQoO
— YZi Labs (@BinanceLabs) January 23, 2025
The new outfit plans to bring back a “12-week residency” program for startups to provide in-person incubation experiences. YZi Labs disclosed that it’ll continue its relationships with portfolio companies under Binance Labs “with no disruptions.”
According to Zhao, the rebranding will allow the team “to push the boundaries of innovation beyond crypto.” Zhang clarified that the move doesn’t change the team’s core mission of pushing technological boundaries and empowering visionary entrepreneurs.
Binance Labs Had Started Exploring the AI World
Binance Labs had started venturing into the AI space and biotechnology. In August last year, for example, it invested in Sahara AI and MyShell, firms focusing on AI-based dApps. In November, it invested in a biotechnology-focused platform BIO Protocol.
Binance Labs has also in the past invested in numerous blockchain-based platforms like BounceBit, a DeFi protocol powered by the Bitcoin blockchain.
With AI’s popularity increasing, YZi Labs is likely to explore the intersection between web3, AI, and biotechnology.
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Philip Maina