Key Highlights YZi Labs plans to attract outside investors after building AI and biotech teams Managing $10B+ in crypto is challenging, requiring strategic asset selection Company previously raised $300M and is cautious with institutional growth YZi Labs Opens Door to Future Investors While Expanding AI and Biotech Teams YZi Labs, formerly Binance Labs and affiliated with Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao, is preparing to attract outside investors in the future, CEO Ella Zhang told the Financial Times . The company is currently focusing on building expertise in new sectors, including artificial intelligence and biotechnology, before officially opening its fund. ”There's always a lot of external investors interested, and we will eventually consider turning it into an external-facing fund. We just think it's not there yet,” Zhang said. Managing a cryptocurrency fund of $10 billion or more is no small task, Zhang added. ”CZ told me, 'Your job is to invest.' Finding enough assets that meet our criteria is very difficult,” she explained. Strong Institutional Interest and Strategic Caution YZi Labs previously raised approximately $300 million in third-party funding in 2022, although some of it was returned because ”the funds were already huge,” according to Zhang. The FT noted that attracting American investors would bring scrutiny from US regulators. For now, the 12-person team is investing long-term and cautiously while building teams in strategic sectors. Zhang emphasized the responsibility involved in managing such a significant crypto fund. Looking Ahead Previously, YZi Labs partnered with 10X Capital to form a company investing in BNB, further demonstrating its commitment to high-profile, strategic investments. The company’s careful, structured approach signals a promising future for both institutional and individual investors.
