Binance Founder Denies Fundraising Claims | CZ Calls Financial Times Report ‘Fake’
Edited By
Anna Schmidt
Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, has publicly rejected recent claims by the Financial Times alleging that his family office, YZi Labs, is looking for external investors to raise $10 billion. Zhao stated on September 24, 2025, that YZi Labs remains entirely private, managing his wealth independently without plans to seek outside capital.
Clearing the Air
Zhao expressed frustration, dismissing the FT report as misleading. He criticized assertions about regulatory talks and alleged misinterpretations of his legal history. "These claims are inaccurate and damaging," Zhao asserted, emphasizing YZi Labs’ focus on investments in Web3, AI, and biotech, distinct from Binance's compliance challenges following his departure as CEO in 2023.
Interestingly, this report has sparked varied reactions among the community. Comments ranged from skepticism about Zhao's financial practices to outright support for his endeavors.
What the Community Thinks
Supportive Responses: Many people believe in Zhao’s credibility, saying he can generate wealth through clever investments and market dynamics.
Skepticism: Some commenters argue that Zhao's past with Binance and the broader crypto market puts him under scrutiny, fueling distrust.
Humorous Remarks: A few posts brought a lighter tone to the conversation, poking fun at the situation with remarks like, "CZ can get that money from manipulating shitcoins alone, GREED!!"
"We believe you," one commenter simply stated, reflecting a divide in sentiment around Zhao's business practices.
Key Highlights
❌ Zhao labels FT’s claims as "fake" and inaccurate.
✅ YZi Labs is committed to private investments in technology sectors.
🤔 Community responses vary, with both support and skepticism highlighted.
The financial ecosystem continues to monitor developments as Zhao firmly stands his ground against media portrayals. As this story unfolds, will the narrative surrounding blockchain investments shift? Only time will tell.
Future Possibilities for YZi Labs and Zhao's Strategy
There's a strong chance that Zhao will maintain his stance on keeping YZi Labs private, focusing on technology investments without seeking external funding. Given his track record, experts estimate around a 70% probability that he will sidestep traditional investment routes to maneuver through a landscape increasingly cautious of regulatory scrutiny. This could lead to independent growth strategies for YZi Labs, allowing Zhao to capitalize on emerging sectors while distancing himself from previous controversies surrounding Binance. As the financial ecosystem continues to evolve, he may find alternative channels to amplify his influence, possibly through strategic partnerships in the tech space.
Drawing Parallels with Historical Wealth-Building Tactics
The dynamics surrounding Zhao's response echo the strategies of Renaissance merchants, who often operated in secrecy to bolster their fortunes amid fluctuating political and economic climates. Just as these entrepreneurs shielded their ventures from public scrutiny, Zhao's insistence on maintaining YZi Labs' privacy might serve as his shield against skepticism. Merchants of that era thrived by navigating uncertainty, and similarly, Zhao's focus on private investments in innovative sectors could yield profound returns, reinforcing the notion that discretion can often be the cornerstone of enduring success.