Binance’s venture capital division has undergone a rebranding, emerging as YZi Labs. The organization will broaden its investment focus to include artificial intelligence (AI) and biotech, while still committing to Web3 innovations.

“For years, the organization operated independently under the Binance brand. Now that CZ [Changpeng Zhao] has distanced himself from Binance, it’s only natural for YZi Labs to take the next step,” the company said in a statement.

Despite the rebranding, CZ will continue to play a key role in the firm’s investment activities—directly advising project founders, serving as a mentor, and providing support.

Ella Zhang has returned to head YZi Labs. She originally launched Binance Labs in 2018 alongside CZ, becoming its first chief executive. During that period, Zhang backed more than 40 startups, including Polygon, Injective Protocol, CertiK, Dune Analytics, Kava, SafePal, Elrond, and Nym, before leaving in 2020 to pursue other ventures.

“This rebranding to YZi Labs isn’t just about a name change—it’s about expanding our vision as we increase our horizons, including transformative sectors like artificial intelligence and biotech,” CZ commented.

YZi Labs will continue to support all existing portfolio companies at the same level.

Context