Binance Labs to Rebrand in 2025: Changpeng Zhao to Return to Lead Investments

Binance Labs announced plans for a major rebrand in 2025. The announcement signals a shift in focus toward emerging sectors like artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology, alongside its continued commitment to the cryptocurrency and blockchain space.

As part of the rebrand, Binance Labs aims to position itself as a forward-looking investment powerhouse, expanding its scope and embracing opportunities in secondary markets, over-the-counter (OTC) deals, and more.

Rebranding and Leadership Transition

The rebranding reflects Binance Labs’ desire to forge a distinct identity, separate from its parent exchange. This decision aligns with its new strategic goals and regulatory considerations.

Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Binance’s founder, will play a pivotal role in the revamped Binance Labs. Following legal issues and a four-month imprisonment in 2024 for violations of the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act, CZ is now prohibited from returning to Binance leadership. However, he will focus exclusively on investments, bringing his expertise and vision to Binance Labs’ initiatives.

Achievements of 2024

Binance Labs’ achievements in 2024 provide insight into its future trajectory. The firm invested in 46 projects, spanning diverse sectors such as decentralized finance (DeFi), artificial intelligence, restaking, and gaming.

Key highlights include:

• DeFi: 10 projects supported, reinforcing its commitment to decentralized financial systems.
• AI: 7 projects backed, reflecting the growing intersection of AI and blockchain.
• Bitcoin Ecosystem: 7 investments, underscoring its belief in Bitcoin’s enduring potential.
• Emerging Fields: Support for decentralized science (DeSci), ZK technologies, and consumer applications.

Notably, 14 of these projects emerged from Binance Labs’ incubation programs, including the BNB Chain-focused MVB (Most Valuable Builder) initiative. Infrastructure and application deals were evenly split, showcasing a balanced investment strategy.

Vision for 2025

Looking ahead, Binance Labs plans to expand its focus to biotech and AI while maintaining its strong presence in blockchain and crypto. The group sees potential in innovations that bridge these domains, creating opportunities for groundbreaking applications.

In a statement, Binance Labs highlighted its optimism for 2025, citing a favorable regulatory environment, particularly under the pro-crypto stance of the incoming U.S. administration. This environment could encourage greater institutional interest and industry growth.

Key focus areas for 2025 include:

• Blockchain/Crypto: Continued investment in projects with real-world use cases and sustainable business models.
• Artificial Intelligence: Exploring decentralized AI platforms and research opportunities.
• Biotechnology: Supporting projects at the intersection of biotech and blockchain, such as decentralized scientific protocols.

Additionally, underperforming sectors like gaming and privacy solutions may gain traction as these technologies mature.

As part of its rebrand, Binance Labs will broaden its investment approach. Beyond traditional venture capital, it plans to engage in secondary market opportunities, OTC deals, and other flexible arrangements.