Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao shifts focus from leading to mentoring crypto entrepreneurs, stating “I won’t start a new project. Will help other founders.”
By Bena Ilyas
Edited by Marco T. Lanz
Updated
3 mins read
Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, has said he is not going to build any new crypto projects. He used to run Binance and helped make it one of the biggest crypto exchanges, but now he has no interest in creating another trading platform or blockchain project. Instead, he wants to help other entrepreneurs in the crypto industry.
The decision comes as a significant shift for the influential figure who once defied skepticism and built Binance into the world’s leading crypto exchange. He recently tweeted about the importance of innovation, telling developers to “keep building.” But when asked if he was starting a new exchange or project, he was clear:
“I won’t start a new project. Will help other founders.”
His statement caught the attention of the crypto community. A user named @Cryptoking recalled how CZ had proven doubters wrong in 2017 when Binance entered a market that many claimed had no room for another exchange. Binance quickly became a leader in that market. But this time, CZ is not looking to lead — he prefers to mentor.
CZ’s statement comes amid a volatile period in the crypto market. Bitcoin, the flagship cryptocurrency, has seen dramatic price swings, dropping 15.70% from $99,336 to $83,754 between February 21 and 26. Yet the market has shown resilience, with Bitcoin rebounding by 3.40% and now trading around $86,300.
Amidst the turbulence, CZ reassured the community that he had not sold any of his crypto holdings. Meanwhile, Samson Mow, CEO of JAN3, dismissed fears of Bitcoin falling back to $70,000, asserting that the real bull market is just beginning. He pointed out that pessimistic predictions accompany every market dip, yet Bitcoin has historically proven doubters wrong.
The real #Bitcoin bull market is about to begin. Don’t let the drawdown and people calling for $0.07M fool you. Every single time there is a drawdown, “analysts” always come up with some reason for why we might go lower.
— Samson Mow (@Excellion) February 26, 2025
This stance reflects CZ’s own investment approach. His portfolio is heavily concentrated in Binance Coin BNB $589.3 24h volatility: 3.1% Market cap: $85.97 B Vol. 24h: $778.96 M , with 98.48% of his holdings in BNB, 1.32% in Bitcoin BTC $81 430 24h volatility: 2.5% Market cap: $1.62 T Vol. 24h: $20.28 B , and small amounts in stablecoins like EURI and USDT USDT $1.00 24h volatility: 0.0% Market cap: $143.91 B Vol. 24h: $17.65 B . This highlights his unwavering confidence in the Binance ecosystem, even after stepping down as CEO.
CZ’s Crypto Portfolio Reveal: Risky or Brilliant? 📈🤔
— Cobak (@CobakOfficial) February 25, 2025
Today, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao unveiled his crypto portfolio, showcasing a massive 98.48% investment in BNB, reflecting his strong belief in its future. He also holds Bitcoin (1.32%), EURI (0.17%), and USDT (0.03%).… https://t.co/WzLARp5n4H pic.twitter.com/P3n7jEGnLU
With his departure from active business operations, CZ has embraced an advisory role. He is now involved with YZi Labs, a venture capital arm dedicated to fostering innovation across various tech sectors. This move aligns with his pledge to help other founders rather than launch his own new ventures.
Beyond business, CZ has also turned his attention to philanthropy. He recently donated 150 BNB to victims of the LIBRA memecoin scam, showing his commitment to protecting the crypto community from fraudulent schemes.
Funny things in crypto. 🤷♂️
— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) February 19, 2025
When you try to make quick money, you often lose.
When you give money away, you get more back.
I donated 150 BNB (~$100,000 USD) to a university student who put up $50,000 of his own money to help Libra victims. (This student seems to have made good… https://t.co/0KbkiGZcYt pic.twitter.com/VRJmgIV5Uf
Additionally, he has initiated Giggle Academy, an educational project aimed at providing high-quality learning resources for underprivileged children worldwide.
Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.
With over 3 years of crypto writing experience, Bena strives to make crypto, blockchain, Web3, and fintech accessible to all. Beyond cryptocurrencies, Bena also enjoys reading books in her spare time.
