Key TakeawaysYZi Labs, formerly Binance Labs, has announced a $1 billion Builder Fund to support innovation across the BNB Chain ecosystem.The fund targets projects in DeFi, real-world assets (RWA), AI, decentralized science (DeSci), payments, and wallets.The move comes as BNB surged above $1,300, making it the third-largest cryptocurrency with a market cap of $182 billion.The initiative reinforces CZ’s return to active leadership in the BNB ecosystem, reflecting his broader vision for decentralized access, AI integration, and human-centric innovation.YZi Labs Unveils $1 Billion BNB Builder FundYZi Labs, the rebranded venture arm formerly known as Binance Labs, has launched a $1 billion fund to accelerate development across the BNB Chain, marking one of the largest capital commitments to an ecosystem fund in 2025.Announced Wednesday via YZi Labs’ official X account, the BNB Builder Fund aims to empower founders building in high-growth sectors such as decentralized finance (DeFi), real-world assets (RWA), artificial intelligence (AI), decentralized science (DeSci), and blockchain payments.According to Ella Zhang, Head of YZi Labs:“Through this $1B BNB Builder Fund, YZi Labs is committed to supporting BNB builders across DeFi, AI, RWA, and DeSci — those building the next generation of open systems that connect technology back to human progress.”BNB Chain: From Exchange Token to Decentralized EcosystemThe fund’s launch coincides with BNB’s meteoric rise to over $1,311, propelling its market capitalization to $182 billion — surpassing several major Layer-1 networks and cementing its position as the third-largest cryptocurrency globally.This surge added roughly $40 billion in market value during October alone, fueled by rising ecosystem activity, memecoin trading, and institutional interest in BNB-based projects.On-chain data from Bubblemaps shows that 70% of BNB traders are currently in profit, with at least 40 wallets earning $1 million each from recent market moves.YZi Labs: A Proven BNB Ecosystem BackerFormerly Binance Labs, YZi Labs has played a foundational role in BNB Chain’s growth, funding key ecosystem projects such as:PancakeSwap (DEX) — the leading BNB-based decentralized exchange.ListaDAO — a DeFi protocol enabling BNB-based staking and lending.Aspecta (ASP) — a blockchain infrastructure and identity project.Aster — a multichain DEX recently listed by major crypto data aggregators.YZi has also advanced institutional participation through initiatives such as the BNB Digital Asset Treasury (DAT), China Renaissance’s RWA fund, and the BNB Yield Fund by Hash Global.A Global Incubation Network for BNB BuildersUnder the new initiative, YZi Labs will integrate BNB Chain’s flagship accelerator program — Most Valuable Builder (MVB) — into its Easy Residency global incubation platform.Together, the programs will offer:Up to $500,000 in direct funding per project.Access to YZi Labs and BNB Chain’s internal teams.Mentorship from leading Web3 investors and ecosystem partners.According to YZi Labs, the fund’s deployment will begin immediately, prioritizing early-stage founders with strong conviction, product-market fit, and long-term vision.As BNB cements itself as the third-largest cryptocurrency and trading activity surges across Binance and DeFi platforms, the ecosystem is evolving beyond its exchange origins into a global innovation network.By combining massive liquidity, strategic capital, and AI-driven ecosystem vision, YZi Labs is positioning BNB Chain to rival not just Ethereum and Solana — but to lead the next wave of decentralized infrastructure and human-centered technology.
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