TLDR
- YZi Labs has launched a $1 billion Builder Fund to support startups in the BNB Chain ecosystem.
- The fund will focus on early-stage projects in DeFi, real-world assets, AI, and decentralized science.
- YZi Labs will offer up to $500,000 in funding and mentorship through its Easy Residency and MVB programs.
- The fund’s launch follows BNB reaching an all-time high of $1,306.92 and becoming the third-largest cryptocurrency.
- YZi Labs has previously backed PancakeSwap, ListaDAO, Aspecta, and other BNB Chain-based projects.
YZi Labs has launched a $1 billion Builder Fund to accelerate innovation in the BNB ecosystem. This fund aims to support early-stage startups building on the BNB Chain. The move follows the recent surge in BNB’s price and market capitalization.
BNB Skyrockets Past $1,300 as Ecosystem Expands
BNB reached an all-time high of $1,306.92 this week, making it the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. The token added over $40 billion in value throughout October, signaling strong investor interest. With this rise, YZi Labs intensified its focus on expanding the BNB Chain ecosystem.
The firm emphasized that BNB now plays a central role in shaping digital infrastructure through scalability, decentralization, and real utility. YZi Labs believes this infrastructure can power the next generation of blockchain applications. Ella Zhang, head of YZi Labs, stated, “BNB ecosystem represents the next phase of digital infrastructure.”
Recent activity shows growing institutional participation through BNB-focused initiatives. YZi Labs supported projects like BNB Digital Asset Treasury, the RWA fund by China Renaissance, and the BNB Yield Fund by Hash Global. These efforts align with YZi Labs’ broader mission to grow institutional and retail adoption.
YZi Labs Backs Early-Stage Builders with Global Reach
YZi Labs has reinforced its support for founders through the Builder Fund and the Most Valuable Builder (MVB) accelerator. MVB now operates under YZi Labs’ Easy Residency global incubation program as a dedicated track. Together, they offer funding up to $500,000 and access to mentoring, investors, and users.
The firm focuses on early-stage builders in sectors such as DeFi, real-world assets, AI, and decentralized science. Payments, wallets, and BNB Chain utilities also fall under the fund’s strategic scope. “We look for founders with strong conviction and clear product-market alignment,” said a YZi Labs spokesperson.
YZi Labs will deploy the fund in phases, beginning immediately to maintain market momentum. With more than $10 billion in assets, YZi Labs operates as a leading global venture platform. Though capital stems from Binance co-founder CZ, the firm clarified it does not operate as a family office.
YZi Labs has already backed several notable projects including PancakeSwap, ListaDAO, Aster, and Aspecta. These investments underline its long-term strategy to fortify the BNB Chain with scalable, decentralized applications. The fund’s launch further accelerates that vision by channeling capital to high-conviction builders.
CZ’s Wealth Soars as YZi Labs Drives Growth
BNB’s rise has substantially increased CZ’s net worth, largely due to his holdings in the token. Reports from June 2024 estimated he held about 64% of the BNB supply. With BNB’s new market cap at $182 billion, his share may now exceed $116 billion.
YZi Labs’ initiatives have indirectly contributed to this value increase by nurturing BNB-native platforms. By incubating critical infrastructure and DeFi solutions, the firm has expanded the utility of BNB. This reinforces the token’s value and supports continued growth of the ecosystem.
On-chain analytics indicate that 70% of BNB Chain traders are in profit, with 40 individual traders each gaining $1 million. As capital flows into BNB-related assets, YZi Labs remains central in shaping the network’s future. The fund cements YZi Labs’ position as a core driver of the BNB ecosystem’s expansion.
