Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, is the founder of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. Born on February 5, 1977, in Jiangsu, China, Zhao and his family moved to Canada in the late 1980s. His career path as a software developer at the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Bloomberg Tradebook provided a solid foundation before he built his complex digital asset trading platform.
In 2017, Zhao founded Binance, which rapidly grew into a dominant player in the global crypto industry. After stepping down as CEO, he remains active through YZi Labs and a number of strategic projects. Entering 2026, CZ's influence remains strong, particularly in supporting innovation within the blockchain, AI, and biotechnology ecosystems. For investors looking to understand market dynamics, tracking CZ's investment footprint can be a way to gauge the direction of the industry.
Key Takeaways:
- CZ founded Binance in 2017 and built it into the world's largest crypto exchange.
- After stepping down as CEO, CZ has focused on YZi Labs and supporting 7 major crypto projects in 2026.
- Projects supported by CZ include ASTER, Giggle Academy, YZi Labs, the BNB ecosystem, and others.
- CZ's support often boosts investor confidence and the liquidity of related tokens.
- Understanding CZ's portfolio helps investors identify trends in the Web3, AI, and biotechnology sectors.
- Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.
Read also: Factors Behind ASTER's Performance and What Is ASTER?
7 Projects Supported and Invested in by CZ in 2026
Changpeng Zhao not only built Binance but also actively supports crypto projects through advisory and investment roles. Here are 7 major projects that have received CZ's support as of 2026:
1. ASTER
CZ became an advisor to this project in September 2026. Aster is a decentralized derivatives exchange (DEX) that provides high-leverage perpetual contract trading. CZ's support has boosted investor confidence, and since then, the ASTER token's performance has shown a consistent growth trend in terms of total value locked (TVL), trading volume, and market valuation. ASTER is available on Mobee for monitoring and trading.
2. Giggle Academy
The education project, launched in March 2026, receives most of its donations in BNB and is linked to the $GIGGLE meme coin. This initiative highlights CZ's interest in blockchain-based education.
3. YZi Labs
CZ founded YZi Labs as an investment vehicle focused on Web3, AI, and biotechnology projects. Its portfolio includes:
- Sign Protocol: To simplify token distribution and credential verification on the blockchain.
- Other major crypto projects: Including Aptos Labs, Polygon, and 1inch Network, which were previously backed by Binance Labs.
4. BNB Ecosystem
In February 2026, CZ announced plans to boost liquidity for meme projects on the BNB Chain using his personal BNB, supporting the overall growth of the BNB ecosystem. This move strengthens BNB's position in the market.
5. Binance Labs (Investment Legacy)
Although CZ is no longer CEO, the investment legacy of Binance Labs continues. Many projects backed by Binance Labs have now become major players in the DeFi, infrastructure, and gaming sectors. Learn about DeFi to understand the context.
6. AI and Web3 Projects
Through YZi Labs, CZ supports startups that combine AI with blockchain. One example is a project developing AI agents for on-chain analysis. Crypto AI is becoming one of the strong narratives in 2026.
7. Education and Community Initiatives
In addition to Giggle Academy, CZ also supports various crypto education programs. The goal is to increase digital literacy and blockchain adoption among the general public. Crypto figure also play a similar role.
Read also: ASTER vs HYPE
The Impact of CZ's Support on the Ecosystem
Zhao's involvement in projects like Aster DEX highlights the significant influence of experienced figures in the crypto industry. The presence of a leader with a long track record provides an additional signal of trust to the community and market participants. Although not always directly involved in daily operations, support and endorsements from CZ can create a positive psychological effect. This drives token adoption, increases trading volume, and strengthens project stability in the eyes of global investors.
For example, when CZ announced his support for ASTER, the token's trading volume surged significantly within a few days. This phenomenon demonstrates how market sentiment can be influenced by a central figure. However, it is important to remember that investment decisions should always be based on fundamental analysis and sound risk management. Risk management is key.
Summary Table
Conclusion
Changpeng Zhao remains a central figure in the development of the modern crypto ecosystem. Through Binance, YZi Labs, and his involvement in 7 projects like Aster DEX, he demonstrates how the support of an experienced figure can bolster investor confidence and drive adoption and innovation in the crypto industry. Keep monitoring the progress of projects backed by CZ to understand the market direction for 2026.
Try it on Mobee
Interested in tracking the movement of tokens backed by CZ? Open the Mobee App to view real-time prices and manage your crypto portfolio. Mobee provides various features such as spot trading and Earn to support your investment strategy. Visit Mobee now.
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Disclaimer:
This content is intended to provide additional information to readers. Always conduct your own research before investing. All crypto asset trading and investment activities are the sole responsibility of the reader.
