CZ’s Vision Beyond Binance: The AI & Biotech Revolution You Need to Watch

Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ, the former CEO of Binance, is making a return to the entrepreneurial world, but this time with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology. After stepping down from Binance in 2023 and serving a four-month sentence in the U.S. for non-compliance issues, CZ is now at the helm of YZi Labs, a rebranded version of Binance Labs. YZi Labs is steering away from its previous focus on blockchain startups and exploring new horizons in the tech industry.

CZ’s Fresh Start

YZi Labs is focusing on a variety of projects, including blockchain infrastructure, AI, and biotech. Ella Zhang, a key figure from Binance Labs, leads the firm’s expansion, and CZ continues to mentor upcoming entrepreneurs. YZi Labs has already made significant moves, such as leading a $16 million funding round for Sign, a platform that aims to improve on-chain credential verification.

Despite these exciting new ventures, CZ’s past with Binance still looms large. Authorities in France are investigating Binance for alleged fraud and money laundering. This probe, focused on activities between 2019 and 2024, further complicates CZ’s transition into a new phase of his career. As CZ looks ahead with YZi Labs, can he truly leave behind the controversies tied to Binance, or will his past continue to follow him?

Binance’s Never-Ending Troubles in France and Beyond

Binance’s struggles with regulators have intensified recently, especially in France, where authorities launched a judicial probe on January 28, 2025, into accusations of money laundering, tax fraud, and offering unauthorized digital services. These allegations are tied to Binance’s operations in the EU, particularly France, and concern activities ranging from drug trafficking to misleading information causing financial loss to customers.

This new investigation adds to Binance’s long-standing legal issues. In 2023, U.S. authorities imposed a $4.3 billion penalty on Binance, accusing it of facilitating illicit transactions, including over 100,000 suspicious activities linked to terrorist groups. Binance has denied these claims, stressing that it has strengthened its compliance measures since these events occurred.

Despite CZ stepping down as Binance’s CEO, the company’s ongoing legal battles have raised doubts about whether his departure is enough to sever ties with the past. French regulators and others globally continue to scrutinize Binance’s activities, and CZ’s involvement in future blockchain projects may be affected by this scrutiny. In his own words, “Proper distribution builds trust, and verification is an essential part of it,” highlighting that blockchain infrastructure remains central to his vision despite the challenges.

YZi Labs Expands Its Portfolio in Emerging Technologies

While Binance faces mounting regulatory pressure, YZi Labs is pushing ahead with investments in cutting-edge technologies. In 2024, the firm made significant investments in AI and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. Notable among them is Sahara AI, a startup combining blockchain with artificial intelligence to help users maintain intellectual property rights through on-chain attribution. Sahara AI secured $43 million in a Series A round.

YZi Labs also invested in MyShell, an AI startup that enables developers to build customizable AI solutions. These investments signal a clear shift from CZ’s past role as a crypto exchange operator to his current interest in the tech industry. Despite this pivot, the connection to the blockchain world remains strong, and CZ continues to shape his new endeavors. In a recent post, he noted that “Giggle Academy is going well and will be a big part of my life for the next few years,” referring to his educational project, another significant step into non-crypto ventures.

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However, even as CZ pivots, his past with Binance is unlikely to be forgotten soon, especially as legal cases continue to unfold. His involvement in projects like YZi Labs only complicates matters, with his reputation still intertwined with Binance’s legal issues.

What’s Next for CZ and YZi Labs?

As CZ continues to expand YZi Labs and support emerging technologies, his past involvement with Binance casts a long shadow. While he is no longer directly linked to Binance, his role in its creation and development means that regulators and the public will likely continue associating him with the exchange’s legal issues.

CZ’s transition from a crypto magnate to a mentor in AI and biotechnology shows his ambition to redefine his career. However, Binance’s ongoing troubles could continue to haunt him, with France’s investigation potentially delaying or complicating his new projects. In light of this, only time will tell if YZi Labs will succeed in its new ventures or if CZ’s past will continue to affect his future. Keep following The Bit Journal and keep an eye on crypto updates and developments.

FAQs

1. Why is Binance facing legal trouble in France?

Binance is under investigation for alleged money laundering, tax fraud, and operating without proper regulatory approvals in France and the European Union.

2. What is YZi Labs?

YZi Labs is a rebranded version of Binance Labs, focusing on AI, biotechnology, and blockchain infrastructure. It is led by Ella Zhang and aims to expand into emerging technologies.

3. How has CZ responded to legal accusations?

CZ and Binance have denied the allegations and continue to strengthen their compliance measures, stating that they will vigorously fight any charges.

4. What investments has YZi Labs made?

YZi Labs has made investments in AI startups like Sahara AI and DeFi projects, marking a shift away from its initial focus on blockchain technology.

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