BNB News Today: YZi's $1B Builder Fund Merges AI, Biotech to Scale BNB Chain's Real-World Web3 Reach

YZi Labs, formerly Binance Labs, has announced the launch of a $1 billion Builder Fund to accelerate innovation within the BNB Chain ecosystem. The fund targets early-stage projects focused on Web3, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, decentralized finance (DeFi), real-world assets (RWA), decentralized science (DeSci), payments, and wallets. By providing capital, technical infrastructure, and access to YZi Labs' global network of over 460 million users, the initiative aims to strengthen the BNB Chain's position as a scalable and decentralized digital infrastructure platform YZi Labs commits $1B fund to support founders in the BNB …^[1].

The fund reflects YZi Labs' strategic alignment with BNB Chain's recent advancements, including the Maxwell Hardfork, which reduced block times to 0.75 seconds and transaction fees to 0.05 Gwei. These improvements have driven significant growth metrics, such as 26 million daily transactions and leading decentralized exchange (DEX) trading volumes YZi Labs Launches $1B Builder Fund to Boost BNB Ecosystem^[2]. The Builder Fund will prioritize projects that combine Web3 with AI and biotech, with a focus on real-world applications. Notable prior investments include PancakeSwap, ListaDAO, Aster, and Aspecta, alongside institutional initiatives like the BNB Digital Asset Treasury YZi Labs Builder Fund Launches $1B to Boost BNB Chain Projects^[3].

YZi Labs will offer direct support to startups through its EASY Residency and Most Valuable Builder (MVB) program. Starting October 2025, the MVB program will expand to New York, San Francisco, Dubai, and Singapore, providing founders with mentorship, investor access, and collaborative opportunities. Participants can receive up to $500,000 in funding and leverage YZi Labs' partnerships, including collaborations with platforms like CoinMarketCap, to amplify their reach YZi Labs Launches $1B Builder Fund to Boost BNB Ecosystem^[2]. The residency model emphasizes hands-on ecosystem integration, ensuring founders can scale their projects efficiently.

The Builder Fund's emphasis on cross-sector innovation aligns with YZi Labs' broader mission to drive impact-first investments. By supporting DeFi protocols, AI-driven tools, and DeSci platforms, the fund aims to enhance BNB Chain's infrastructure and expand its utility in global markets. For instance, investments in wallet and payment solutions could lower barriers to blockchain adoption, while RWA projects may bridge traditional and digital finance. Ella Zhang, Head of YZi Labs, stated, "The BNB ecosystem represents the next phase of digital infrastructure, combining decentralization, scalability, and real distribution" YZi Labs Launches $1B Builder Fund to Boost BNB Ecosystem^[2].

Analysts suggest the fund could solidify BNB Chain's competitive edge in the blockchain sector. With $10 billion in global assets under management and a history of backing over 300 projects, YZi Labs is positioned to attract developers and entrepreneurs to the BNB ecosystem. The initiative also aligns with broader trends in decentralized infrastructure, where interoperability and low-cost transactions are critical differentiators. By combining financial resources with strategic mentorship, the Builder Fund aims to create a self-sustaining innovation cycle that benefits both founders and the broader blockchain community YZi Labs commits $1B fund to support founders in the BNB …^[1].