- •$1B investment: YZi Labs, founded by Changpeng Zhao and his family, launched a $1 billion fund to accelerate BNB Chain development, strengthen infrastructure, and expand global reach.
- •Developer support: The initiative targets early‑stage teams building dApps, infrastructure, and scaling solutions, pairing capital with mentorship, technical guidance, and networking opportunities.
- •Ecosystem strategy: The fund aims to counter competition from Ethereum and Solana, attract high‑profile projects, and reinforce Changpeng Zhao’s ongoing influence in crypto.
YZi Labs, the company founded by Changpeng Zhao and his family, has invested $1 billion in a fund to accelerate development on BNB Chain. This marks one of the largest investments in the blockchain technology sector this year. The fund’s main purpose is to attract builders, expand the blockchain’s global reach, and bolster infrastructure.
The $1 billion allocation underscores Changpeng Zhao’s continued influence in the crypto industry despite his departure from Binance leadership. YZi Labs positioned the fund as a catalyst for innovation, aiming to provide developers with resources to scale projects and compete with rival ecosystems. The announcement signals a renewed push to keep BNB Chain competitive in a crowded market of smart contract platforms. Observers note that the fund’s sheer size reflects confidence in long‑term adoption and the resilience of BNB Chain’s community.
STRATEGIC FOCUS ON DEVELOPERS
The fund will prioritize direct support for developers working on dApps, infrastructure tools, and scaling solutions, said YZi Labs in an X post. The fund aims to lower the entry barriers and encourage experimentation by targeting early‑stage teams. The company also stated that, alongside capital investment, technical guidance, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to the company’s broader ecosystem will also be offered to ensure projects move from concept to deployment faster and safer.
ECOSYSTEM GROWTH AND COMPETITION
BNB Chain has faced increasing competition from Ethereum, Solana, and other networks vying for developer mindshare. The $1 billion fund is intended to counter this pressure by offering a clear incentive for builders to choose BNB Chain. Analysts note that such large‑scale commitments can shift momentum, particularly if they succeed in attracting high‑profile projects that bring users and liquidity. The initiative could also encourage cross‑chain collaborations, further embedding BNB Chain within the broader Web3 landscape.
ZHAO’S ONGOING ROLE IN CRYPTO
Despite Changpeng Zhao’s legal issues in the U.S. that forced him to step down from Binance, this move with YZi Labs signals his willingness to continue supporting blockchain development. The purpose of the fund is proof of his strategy to keep influencing the crypto industry via capital investment. For developers, the fund represents a financial opportunity and the assurance that BNB Chain remains a top priority for Changpeng Zhao.