Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ, is the founder of Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume. Born February 5, 1977, in Jiangsu, China, Zhao and his family moved to Canada in the late 1980s.
After graduating from McGill University in Montreal, he started his career in technology as a software developer at the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Bloomberg Tradebook. This experience laid the groundwork for him to create a sophisticated and innovative digital asset trading platform.
In 2017, Zhao founded Binance, which rapidly grew to become a leading force in the global cryptocurrency industry. He also established YZi Labs, a strategic investment division aimed at developing startups in the fields of cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. CZ later utilized YZi Labs as a means to enhance his support for innovation within the blockchain ecosystem.
Read also: What Factors Influence ASTER’s Performance?
Projects Invested in and Supported by CZ
Changpeng Zhao not only built Binance but also actively supports crypto projects through advisory roles and investments. Some of the main projects backed by CZ include:
1. ASTER
CZ became an advisor to this project in September 2025. Aster is a decentralized derivatives exchange (DEX) offering perpetual contracts with high leverage.
His involvement increased investor confidence, and since then, the ASTER token has shown steady growth in terms of total value locked (TVL), trading volume, and market valuation, positioning it among the fastest-growing DEX projects in 2025.
ASTER is also available on Mobee, making it easily accessible for anyone who wants to monitor and trade it.
2. Giggle Academy
An educational project launched in March 2024 that received donations primarily in BNB and is associated with the meme coin $GIGGLE.
3. YZi Labs
CZ founded YZi Labs as an investment vehicle focusing on Web3, AI, and biotechnology projects, including:
- Sign Protocol: Simplifying token distribution and credential verification on the blockchain.
- Other major crypto projects: Such as Aptos Labs, Polygon, and 1inch Network, had also previously received support from Binance Labs.
4. BNB Ecosystem
In February 2025, CZ announced plans to increase liquidity for meme projects on the BNB Chain by using his personal BNB holdings, thereby supporting the overall growth of the BNB ecosystem.
Read also: ASTER vs HYPE: The Battle for Dominance in the Perpetual DEX Market
Impact of CZ’s Support on the Ecosystem
Zhao’s involvement in projects like Aster DEX highlights the influence of experienced figures in the crypto industry. The presence of a leader with a strong track record provides additional confidence for the community and market participants.
Although not always directly involved in day-to-day operations, CZ’s support and endorsement can generate positive psychological effects. This helps encourage token adoption, boost trading volume, and strengthen project stability in the eyes of global investors.
Conclusion
Changpeng Zhao remains a central figure in shaping the modern crypto ecosystem. Through Binance, YZi Labs, and his involvement in projects such as Aster DEX, he demonstrates how the support of experienced leaders can strengthen investor trust while driving adoption and innovation across the crypto industry.
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