Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the billionaire founder of Binance, has officially re-entered the crypto space with a $16 million investment in Sign, a blockchain platform specializing in token airdrops. The investment was made through his venture firm, YZi Labs, marking CZ’s first major crypto move since stepping down as Binance CEO and resolving a $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. authorities.
— YZi Labs (@BinanceLabs) January 23, 2025
Why Sign?
Sign has positioned itself as a leading blockchain tool for token distribution, solving key challenges in credential verification and community engagement for new crypto projects. The platform has seen a surge in revenue, jumping from $1.7 million in 2023 to $15 million in 2024, partly due to its integration with the TON blockchain.
BREAKING: CZ is Signed👀🧡 pic.twitter.com/QWY26bG3PL
— Sign 🧡👀 (@sign) January 28, 2025
CZ’s backing of Sign is a strategic move, reinforcing his belief in blockchain innovations that enhance crypto adoption. Given Sign’s rapid growth and increasing relevance in the industry, it’s no surprise that it attracted CZ’s attention as his first investment post-Binance.
confessions of the Sign intern
— Sign 🧡👀 (@sign) January 29, 2025
i was gone for a few weeks on a secret mission (Signing CZ 👀) and was worried about the vibes going cold due to my absence
i feel the hype and euphoria, it reminds me of the early days we went mainstream (iykyk 👀🧡)
i'm excited to finally…
A Calculated Comeback
CZ’s return to crypto investing comes months after he stepped away from Binance following legal troubles that led to a guilty plea over anti-money laundering violations. His latest move suggests a more structured and compliance-driven approach, as Sign aligns with the ongoing push for transparency in crypto operations.
Good to see BNB Chain AI projects moving quickly.
— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) January 27, 2025
Disclaimer: YZiLabs invested in MyShell. https://t.co/u2tZUAqZvn
This investment indicates CZ's continued influence in the blockchain world. By supporting infrastructure-building projects like Sign, he aims to shape the next phase of crypto adoption while distancing himself from Binance's past regulatory challenges.
What’s Next?
As Sign expands its services with this fresh capital, CZ’s involvement could accelerate its adoption and solidify its reputation. This move also signals a broader trend—crypto heavyweights are refocusing on compliance-friendly innovations rather than the chaotic, regulation-light era of the past.
With this investment, he’s making it clear: he’s not done with crypto just yet.

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