Binance founder Changpeng Zhao points to a select group of YZi Labs investments as likely top performers.
Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, has singled out seven crypto investments from YZi Labs as ones he believes will outperform. Yahoo Finance and BeInCrypto both reported the remarks on September 5, 2026. Neither outlet detailed the full list of projects named.
YZi Labs is the rebranded successor to Binance Labs, the venture and incubation arm long associated with the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. The rebrand reflected an effort to broaden the fund's identity beyond the Binance name. It continues to back early-stage blockchain, stablecoin, and Web3 infrastructure projects.
CZ remains one of the most closely watched figures in digital assets. His public statements about specific projects often draw immediate attention from traders and investors. Any endorsement, even an informal one, can shape short-term sentiment around the tokens or companies involved.
Venture-stage crypto investing has faced a difficult stretch. Funding rounds slowed markedly during the prolonged bear periods of recent years. A public signal from a founder with CZ's track record carries outsized weight in that environment. It can serve as a reference point for retail investors trying to gauge which projects have institutional confidence behind them.
The identity of the seven investments was not fully disclosed in the reports reviewed for this article. What is clear is that the comments originated from CZ directly and were tied specifically to YZi Labs' existing portfolio. That distinguishes the remarks from general market commentary, since they point to a defined, if unnamed, set of holdings.
Corporate venture arms tied to major exchanges have grown more prominent as a source of early liquidity and validation for new projects. YZi Labs, in particular, has positioned itself as a bridge between early-stage builders and the broader Binance ecosystem, even after the formal name change. Its investment choices are often read as a signal of where the exchange's broader network sees long-term value.
Market participants will likely watch for further detail on which specific projects CZ referenced. Additional confirmation from YZi Labs itself, or from the projects named, would help clarify the scope of the claim. Until such detail emerges, the statement stands as a broad expression of confidence rather than a specific investment thesis.
Market Impact
Statements from prominent figures like CZ can move sentiment quickly in smaller-cap tokens, particularly those tied to venture portfolios. If the seven investments become publicly identified, related tokens or platforms could see short-term trading interest tied to the endorsement. Investors should note that such comments reflect one individual's stated expectations rather than audited performance data or guaranteed outcomes.
More broadly, the episode underscores the continued influence of exchange-linked venture arms in shaping which projects gain visibility. As YZi Labs continues to deploy capital, its public statements and portfolio moves are likely to remain a point of reference for how institutional-style crypto investors are positioning across the sector.
The full list of the seven investments CZ referenced has not been detailed publicly, leaving room for further reporting as YZi Labs or CZ himself provide additional specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is CZ and what is his connection to YZi Labs?
CZ, or Changpeng Zhao, is the founder of Binance. YZi Labs evolved from Binance Labs, the exchange's original venture and incubation fund.
What exactly did CZ say about the seven investments?
According to Yahoo Finance and BeInCrypto, CZ said seven specific crypto investments held by YZi Labs are ones he expects to perform best, without further detail provided in those reports.
Were the names of the seven projects disclosed?
The reports reviewed did not specify the names of all seven investments, so full details were not available at the time of this article.
Why does a comment like this matter for the market?
Public remarks from influential figures like CZ can affect short-term sentiment and trading interest, especially for smaller or early-stage crypto projects.
