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$1 billion fund for BNB Chain developers drives YZi Labs’ global innovation push

by ICN.live
October 8, 2025

Tariq Al-Mansouri

Key Points

YZi Labs, formerly Binance Labs, launched a $1 billion Builder Fund.
The fund supports DeFi, AI, real-world assets, DeSci, payments, and wallets.
Projects may receive up to $500,000 and global mentorship.
The initiative expands YZi Labs’ EASY Residency accelerator worldwide.

$1 billion fund for BNB Chain developers is the latest move by YZi Labs to boost crypto innovation.

The company, previously known as Binance Labs, plans to channel this fund into DeFi, AI, real-world assets, DeSci, payments, and wallets. The fund targets ambitious founders and developers who want to scale within the growing BNB Chain ecosystem.

YZi Labs says the initiative goes beyond funding. It pairs capital with advanced tools, technical support, and connections to a global mentor network. Founders can secure up to $500,000 and gain direct access to the YZi Labs and BNB Chain core teams.

The $1 billion Builder Fund is designed to accelerate practical crypto projects, not theory. The focus is on solving real issues like payments, wallet usability, and decentralized data systems. From my standpoint, this move positions YZi Labs as one of the strongest backers of blockchain utility today.

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Expanding Opportunity for BNB Chain Developers

YZi Labs’ new Builder Fund merges with Season 2 of its EASY Residency accelerator. This program includes the BNB Chain Most Valuable Builder track, which identifies top projects with measurable growth. The accelerator now spans four global hubs: New York, San Francisco, Dubai, and Singapore.

Ella Zhang, the head of YZi Labs, stated that the goal is to connect high-potential founders with practical resources. Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao continues to play an active role, ensuring continuity with the original Binance Labs vision.

Selected projects will gain exposure to YZi’s vast 460 million–user ecosystem. This global reach provides founders with real traction opportunities from day one.

DeFi, AI, and Real-World Asset Integration

The fund’s focus on DeFi, AI, and real-world assets signals a strategic direction. By targeting these areas, YZi Labs aims to link traditional industries with blockchain-powered infrastructure. This approach supports stable crypto growth through practical use cases.

DeSci, or decentralized science, is another focus area. The goal is to fund projects that apply blockchain transparency to research funding and data sharing. This aligns with YZi’s belief that innovation should have a measurable global impact.

Recent moves also show YZi Labs deepening ties with Ethena Labs, issuer of USDe and USDtb. This partnership reinforces YZi’s commitment to stable, asset-backed crypto systems.

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A Catalyst for Global Crypto Projects

BNB’s rise to over $1,320 in market value coincides with this fund announcement. The timing reflects growing confidence in the BNB Chain’s performance and developer appeal. BNB now ranks as the third-largest crypto by market value, showing investor interest in YZi-backed ecosystems.

The Builder Fund supports builders during a crucial market phase. After volatile years, projects need capital with structure, not speculation. YZi Labs brings mentorship and a clear growth pathway, helping developers focus on real adoption instead of hype.

For developers, this is more than funding. It’s a chance to work with proven builders and gain exposure to millions of active users.

What This Means for the Future of the BNB Chain

The $1 billion fund for BNB Chain developers is a strong signal of long-term commitment. It connects technical innovation with financial backing, which is vital for sustainable crypto development.

YZi Labs’ combination of funding, guidance, and network access sets a new standard for blockchain accelerators. This structure encourages developers to prioritize usability, transparency, and community value.

BNB Chain’s broad scope — spanning DeFi, AI, payments, wallets, and DeSci — makes it one of the most developer-friendly ecosystems today. With the right backing, it could define how blockchain products scale globally in 2025 and beyond.

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What is the main goal of the $1 billion fund for BNB Chain developers?

The fund’s main goal is to support projects building on BNB Chain by combining financial investment with mentorship and technical guidance. Each selected project may receive up to $500,000, access to global mentors, and integration tools. The focus areas include DeFi, AI, real-world assets, DeSci, payments, and wallets. The fund helps developers move from ideas to functional, market-ready crypto projects.

Who leads YZi Labs and what is its connection to Binance?

YZi Labs is led by Ella Zhang, previously the head of Binance Labs. Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao remains actively involved. After its rebrand, YZi Labs continues to focus on nurturing blockchain innovation within the BNB Chain ecosystem. The firm maintains strong ties with Binance’s infrastructure, helping bridge legacy resources with new blockchain opportunities.

What types of projects can apply for the YZi Labs Builder Fund?

Eligible projects include those working in DeFi, AI, payments, wallets, decentralized science, and real-world assets. Startups must demonstrate technical readiness and clear use cases. Selected teams gain access to funding, technical mentorship, and global exposure through the YZi and BNB Chain networks. The goal is to identify scalable crypto solutions with real market value.

How does this initiative impact the broader crypto ecosystem?

The initiative encourages sustainable blockchain growth. By investing in builders who focus on real applications, it reduces speculation and boosts genuine innovation. Developers receive funding, guidance, and a user base of 460 million. This combination creates stronger projects and advances crypto’s mainstream adoption through trusted infrastructure and global collaboration.

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