Zhao Changpeng returns to the cryptocurrency field, planning to invest in cryptocurrency, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and other projects in 2025.
Binance Labs revealed that the former Chinese billionaire and Binance founder Zhao Changpeng has returned to work. Although he cannot reclaim the position of CEO of Binance due to a plea deal with the U.S. Department of Justice, he plans to personally invest in industry projects in 2025. He recently thawed relations with billionaire Musk on Twitter and stated that he has read all versions of Musk's biography.
As Binance's venture capital department, Binance Labs announced in an article on the last day of 2024 that it will soon operate under a different name and plans to invest in more projects in 2025, specifically listing cryptocurrency, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and biotechnology as primary focus areas.
The department will also expand its investment scope, including not only primary market transactions but also other trades such as secondary market liquidity, over-the-counter trading, and more.
Binance Labs also anticipates that underperforming sectors in 2024, such as gaming, zero-knowledge proof technology, and privacy solutions, will make a comeback in 2025, as they will enter more advanced stages compared to the previous year.
Additionally, Binance Labs predicts that emerging fields such as decentralized science, real-world assets, stablecoins, and AI agents will continue to perform well in 2025, as these areas are already prepared for further development compared to now.
In the post, Binance Labs mentioned that Zhao Changpeng has 'returned to work' and plans to personally invest in industry projects.
Binance Labs wrote: "As Zhao Changpeng returns to work and spends considerable time on industry investments, he is eager to connect with existing and new founders and engage with projects on a personal level."
Currently observing discussions in the crypto community, many believe this is a sign that Zhao Changpeng may be informally returning to Binance exchange. However, Binance may simply be suggesting that Zhao Changpeng is involved in emerging areas of the crypto industry, such as AI and biotechnology, thereby increasing their chances of upgrading in 2025.
In his first public interview after being released from prison, Zhao Changpeng expressed interest in mentoring new entrepreneurs in the crypto space and focusing on his two main projects: the blockchain education project Giggle Academy and investments in blockchain, AI, and biotechnology.
Zhao Changpeng has repeatedly stated that he has no intention of returning to Binance or leading any type of project.
In 2024 alone, Binance Labs invested in 46 projects, of which 14 are projects built on the Binance Coin (BNB) chain and incubation projects. The venture capital department stated that 20% of its investments come from BNB-based projects. Meanwhile, the other 32 projects are from direct investments. Among the 46 projects Binance Labs invested in, 10 belong to decentralized finance (DeFi), 7 belong to the AI sector, 7 belong to the Bitcoin ecosystem, 4 are from the re-staking sector, 3 are from the gaming sector, 2 are from ZK technology, 2 are from RWA, and the other 2 are from consumer applications.
On December 2024, Zhao Changpeng retweeted a news article about Binance's involvement in Musk's acquisition of Twitter, emphasizing that Binance had invested $500 million in the deal, writing 'Glad to contribute to the Twitter acquisition'. Musk promptly replied 'Thank you' and refocused on Zhao Changpeng's Twitter account.
This is seen by the market as a thaw in the relationship between the two.
In a post on Sunday, Musk discussed his views on whether humanity should land on Mars or the Moon. He believes that humans should go directly to Mars, as landing on the Moon would be a distraction. Orbital quality is a key metric, followed by the quality of the Martian surface. Orbital quality needs to reach a million tons per year to establish a self-sustaining colony on Mars.
Zhao Changpeng immediately intended to engage in conversation, as 'To the moon' in cryptocurrency terminology represents a surge in token prices; he linked Musk's views to the cryptocurrency market.
"That's right, Musk said that price is a distracting factor, so let's keep building."
In response to community questions, Zhao Changpeng also revealed that he has read all versions of Musk's biography. Furthermore, he has read many biographical books, believing this to be an optimal way of learning, and he is still striving to write a book himself.
With Trump, the elected president of the United States, set to be sworn in on January 20, the market is focused on whether Zhao Changpeng can return more deeply to the crypto industry, creating a more hopeful outlook for Binance in the US. The Musk-themed puppy token has 16,000 holding addresses, with a market value of less than 100 million, showing decent potential.