Changpeng Zhao’s YZi Labs Eyes Opening Fund to External Investors

Highlights:

• YZi Labs may open Changpeng Zhao’s portfolio to outside investors soon.
• The fund invests in over 230 companies in crypto and robotics.
• The rising demand and SEC interest could shape the firm’s investment plans.

YZi Labs, the investment firm founded by Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao, is exploring the possibility of opening its portfolio to external investors. Currently, the firm focuses on managing internal ventures through a 12-person team. Ella Zhang, head of YZi Labs, told the Financial Times that the firm will consider outside investment only after gaining sufficient expertise in AI and biotech. She emphasized that opening the fund would entail a “huge responsibility.”

Breaking News: YZi Labs May Go Public!

CZ’s $10B YZi Labs (separate from Binance) may soon open to external investors & transform into a public fund.

Highlights:

70% portfolio = digital assets

$300M raised in 2022

Exploring AI + biotech + sustainability tech

If approved,… pic.twitter.com/mZC9vDWbX3

— BeLaunch (@BeLaunch_) September 23, 2025

The firm primarily invests in crypto, AI, robotics, and biotechnology. Zhang observed that the attention is still on the perfection of the internal investment strategy, and then seeking external capital. In spite of this, YZi Labs is still considering the proposals of emerging companies. Startups seeking early-stage funding make frequent pitches to the fund, which is a good sign of market interest. Analysts attribute this conservative stance to Zhao being a cautious planner to balances between growth and risk.

Zhao created YZi Labs as a rebrand of Binance Labs. Introduced in early 2025, YZi Labs handles the personal wealth of Zhao, as it seeks to invest in early-stage projects within his vision. The company still incubates and invests in new projects with an emphasis on technology-oriented solutions.

Changpeng Zhao’s YZi Labs Eyes Broader Investor Base

YZi Labs boasts a diverse portfolio of over 230 companies. Some of its investments are leading projects like Aptos Labs, Polygon, 1inch Network, Sky Mavis, LayerZero, Mysten Labs, and CertiK. The company has approximately 70% of its portfolio in digital assets, with interest in AI and robotics steadily increasing. Zhao believes that robotics will be used to complement crypto transactions, with the machines becoming part of a digital economy using crypto wallets.

More than 50 startups have given the firm proposals in order to get funding. YZi Labs had already acquired external funding of $300 million in 2022. Ella Zhang clarified that even though outside investors are constantly interested, the fund is not prepared to attract mass outside funding. The team aims to develop skills to be able to handle external capital with confidence in the future.

YZi Labs also intends to implement residency programs for startup founders under the guidance of Zhao. These initiatives are meant to offer funding, mentorship, and access to a network of industry contacts. Zhang noted that investing in young firms is not just about capital but also about the way the firm takes care of the whole process of developing innovation. The $10 billion investment plan that Zhao is pursuing still focuses on high-potential Web3, AI, and biotech projects.

Regulatory Context and Market Timing

Zhao is facing ongoing scrutiny following his 2023 criminal conviction related to AML failures. He completed a four-month prison sentence, and it is reported he is seeking a pardon from President Donald Trump. The firm’s consideration of external investors could attract further regulatory attention in the United States.

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Recently, the Polymarket platform reported that the odds of Trump pardoning CZ (Binance founder Changpeng Zhao) have surged to nearly 50%. This news has quickly captured attention in the cryptocurrency market, particularly for tokens… pic.twitter.com/KUdt2N9UTR

— KeyNews (@KeyNewsEN) September 19, 2025

Cryptocurrency native investment funds are gaining market demand. To illustrate, Galaxy Digital secured $175 million in its first externally funded venture fund, which is more than its original goal of $150 million. The possible transition of YZi Labs to external investment is in line with this trend. According to industry experts, more investor engagement would be able to speed up AI, robotics, and Web3 innovation and build market confidence.