YZi Labs Introduces $1B Fund for BNB Chain Projects
YZi Labs has unveiled a massive $1 billion BNB Chain fund to boost innovation across decentralized finance, real-world assets, AI, wallets, and decentralized science (DeSci). The initiative is designed to empower founders building within the BNB Chain ecosystem by offering strategic investment, mentorship, and infrastructure support to scale high-impact projects.
Formerly known as Binance Labs, the firm’s rebrand to YZi Labs marks a renewed focus on advancing “open systems” that link technological progress with human development. Through this fund, YZi Labs aims to strengthen the Web3 ecosystem by backing visionary teams that are shaping the future of blockchain applications and driving real-world adoption beyond the crypto space.
What is the YZi Labs $1B BNB Chain fund?
YZi Labs’ new Builder Fund totals USD 1 billion and is focused specifically on projects within the BNB ecosystem. The announcement emphasizes core areas including DeFi, AI, RWAs and wallets, with BNB Chain as the primary target network.
Who can access the YZi Labs $1B BNB Chain fund?
Early-stage and growth teams building on BNB Chain are the intended recipients. YZi’s messaging indicates cross-sector openness (DeFi, AI, RWA, DeSci, wallets), but formal eligibility, instruments (equity/SAFEs/tokens) and ticket sizes were not disclosed publicly in the initial announcement.
Strategic backdrop and leadership
Binance Labs rebranded to YZi Labs in January 2025 to reflect independence and a broader mandate spanning Web3, AI and biotech. Post-rebrand, CZ (Changpeng Zhao) has taken a more hands-on role with YZi, while Ella Zhang leads the organization. Recent reporting also describes YZi’s evolution toward a CZ- and Yi He–backed investment platform with potential to open to outside LPs in future. Binance+1
Mission and quote
YZi says it wants the BNB ecosystem to provide a backbone of “democratized access and ownership,” with AI enhancing human potential and biotech improving quality of life. “Through this $1B BNB Builder Fund, YZi Labs is committed to supporting BNB builders across sectors such as DeFi, AI, RWA, DeSci, and more those building the next generation of open systems that connect technology back to human progress,” said Ella Zhang, Head of YZi Labs.
What this means for founders on BNB Chain
Capital + network
Meaningful dry powder dedicated to BNB Chain projects signals long-term support for ecosystem growth.Sector breadth
The inclusion of AI, biotech-adjacent DeSci, and RWAs suggests cross-disciplinary bets tied to on-chain rails.Ecosystem momentum
Multiple outlets report the fund’s launch amid heightened attention to BNB Chain activity and builder programs.
How to pitch YZi (for BNB Chain founders)
<section id=”howto”> <h3>How to apply for YZi funding on BNB Chain</h3> <ol> <li id=”step1″><strong>Step 1:</strong> Confirm your product runs on—or will deploy to—BNB Chain with a working MVP and roadmap.</li> <li id=”step2″><strong>Step 2:</strong> Prepare a concise deck: problem, solution, traction, token/equity model, use of funds, compliance plan.</li> <li id=”step3″><strong>Step 3:</strong> Show ecosystem fit: BNB Chain advantages, on-chain metrics, users, and integrations.</li> <li id=”step4″><strong>Step 4:</strong> Assemble materials (data room, repo/demo, tokenomics if applicable) and founder bios.</li> <li id=”step5″><strong>Step 5:</strong> Submit via YZi’s official channels (website/X announcements) and engage with community programs.</li> </ol> <p><em>Note: Process may vary by program/cohort. Confirm requirements on YZi’s official channels before applying.</em></p> </section>
Context & Analysis
A dedicated $1B pool amplifies BNB Chain’s appeal for founders deciding between ecosystems. The explicit inclusion of AI, RWAs and DeSci reflects a thesis that web3 rails will interlink with frontier tech. Execution details application portal, ticket sizes, instruments, vesting will determine speed of deployment and the kinds of teams funded. Prior coverage indicates YZi’s structure resembles a family-office-anchored investor with potential to admit external LPs later, which could influence governance and risk appetite over time.
Conclusion
YZi’s $1 billion Builder Fund represents a strong, long-term commitment to supporting developers and innovators building on BNB Chain. The initiative highlights YZi’s confidence in the ecosystem’s growth potential and its dedication to accelerating high-quality blockchain projects.
As program details roll out, founders should prepare by refining their BNB Chain strategy, demonstrating clear market traction, and ensuring compliance readiness. Having measurable progress and a solid technical or business rationale for choosing BNB Chain will be key for teams aiming to secure funding and scale their projects under this ambitious program.
FAQs
Q : What is the YZi Labs $1B BNB Chain fund?
A : A $1B Builder Fund to back projects deploying on BNB Chain across DeFi, AI, RWAs, wallets, and DeSci.
Q : Who runs YZi Labs?
A : YZi Labs is led by Ella Zhang, with CZ taking a more active role following his release; the firm rebranded from Binance Labs in 2025.
Q : How can founders apply?
A : Monitor YZi’s official channels for application instructions; prepare an MVP, traction, and a strong BNB Chain rationale.
Q : Which sectors are prioritized?
A : DeFi, AI, RWAs, wallets, and DeSci are named as key priorities in the announcement.
Q : Is YZi Labs a family office?
A : It’s often described as CZ’s family-office-style platform, though YZi says it differs from traditional family offices; reports suggest it may allow outside investors in the future.
Q : Does the fund include grants or equity?
A : The initial statement doesn’t specify funding instruments or check sizes.
Q : Why BNB Chain?
A : YZi positions BNB Chain as infrastructure for “democratized access and ownership,” aiming to connect open systems with human progress.