BNB News Today: YZi Labs' $1B Builder Fund Bridges Tech and Human Progress Through BNB Chain Innovators

YZi Labs, the venture capital firm formerly known as Binance Labs, has announced a $1 billion Builder Fund to accelerate innovation on the BNB Chain. The initiative, unveiled in October 2025, targets developers and projects focused on decentralized finance (DeFi), artificial intelligence (AI), real-world assets (RWA), and other emerging sectors. The fund will provide financial support, incubation resources, and direct access to BNB Chain's infrastructure, which boasts 460 million users and a network capable of processing 26 million daily transactions$1B Builder Fund to Empower Builders: Backed by YZi Labs and …^[1]. Ella Zhang, Head of YZi Labs, emphasized the fund's role in advancing "open systems that connect technology back to human progress," aligning with BNB Chain's vision of scalable, low-cost blockchain infrastructure$1B Builder Fund to Empower Builders: Backed by YZi Labs and …^[1].

The announcement coincides with record-breaking performance metrics for BNB Chain. The network leads in decentralized exchange (DEX) trading volume and daily active users, with $6.05 billion in DEX volume and $5.57 million in chain fees recorded in a single 24-hour periodYZi Labs Brings $1B Builders Fund to Double Down on BNB^[3]. BNB, the chain's native token, reached an all-time high of $1,336 in October 2025, surpassing XRP to become the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization at $184 billionYZi Labs Brings $1B Builders Fund to Double Down on BNB^[3]. Technical upgrades like the Maxwell Hardfork have further enhanced performance, reducing block times to 0.75 seconds and transaction fees to 0.05 Gwei$1B Builder Fund to Empower Builders: Backed by YZi Labs and …^[1]. These improvements have attracted developers and users, reinforcing BNB Chain's position as a competitive platform for decentralized applications.

YZi Labs' Builder Fund builds on its existing Most Valuable Builder (MVB) program, which has supported over 200 projects since its launch. The MVB initiative, now integrated into YZi Labs' EASY Residency, offers mentorship, funding, and ecosystem collaboration to founders. Applications for the next cohort are open, with the program prioritizing innovations in DeFi, AI, and RWA$1B Builder Fund to Empower Builders: Backed by YZi Labs and …^[1]. Over the past decade, MVB has helped founders refine products and access millions of users, cementing its role as a cornerstone of the BNB Chain ecosystem. The rebranding of Binance Labs to YZi Labs in January 2025 marked a strategic shift toward long-term investments in Web3, biotech, and AI, with CZ Zhao taking a more active role in venture capital decisions following his release from prisonYZi Labs Introduces $1B Fund for BNB Chain Projects - CoinDesk^[2].

The fund's launch follows a surge in institutional interest in BNB Chain. CEA Industries, a blockchain infrastructure provider, announced plans to accumulate 1% of BNB's total supply by year-end, while analysts predict the token could test $1,500 as optimism grows around pending ETF approvals and broader altcoin ralliesYZi Labs Brings $1B Builders Fund to Double Down on BNB^[3]. BNB's performance has also fueled a "meme coin season," with tokens like Binance Life experiencing multi-digit gains and attracting over 100,000 on-chain tradersYZi Labs Unveils $1 Billion Fund for BNB Chain Projects with up to ...^[4]. This momentum underscores the chain's growing appeal among retail and institutional investors alike.

YZi Labs' rebranding and expanded funding reflect Binance's broader strategy to solidify its dominance in the blockchain ecosystem. The firm has previously invested in high-profile projects such as PancakeSwap, ListaDAO, and Aster, achieving over 270% returns on investments in some casesYZi Labs Unveils $1 Billion Fund for BNB Chain Projects with up to ...^[4]. The $1 billion Builder Fund, combined with initiatives like the BNB Digital Asset Treasury and RWA fund, positions YZi Labs as a key enabler of innovation on the BNB Chain. As the network continues to scale, the interplay between developer support, technical upgrades, and market dynamics will be critical in sustaining its growth trajectory.