Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) donated $10 million in BNB to Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin several months ago for “open-source biotech efforts.”
? Moved by this post?. Just doing my little part.
The best way to attract mission-driven talent is having conviction yourself. Likeminded people naturally come together.
On top of YZiLabs investments, I personally donated $10m (in BNB) to Vitalik a couple of months back to… https://t.co/vGNdneoci7
— CZ ? BNB (@cz_binance) July 1, 2025
Buterin publicly supports the development of vaccines, longevity and anti-aging research, as well as biotech initiatives for universal virus detection.
CZ did not specify the names of the projects. His donations were made in addition to investments by his family office YZi Labs.
Appreciate your support for keeping humanity healthy and safe from airborne disease @cz_binance!
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) July 1, 2025
“Thank you for your support in keeping humanity healthy and safe from airborne diseases,” commented the Ethereum co-founder.
The former Binance CEO announced the investments in response to a lengthy post by the fund’s general partner, Jane He, who elaborated on CZ’s philosophy.
“Since Zhao and I began working together on our family office’s investments in biotech and healthcare, I’ve come to understand the depth of his conviction. For him, it’s not about chasing the next big thing. It’s a challenge to a system that too often prioritizes profit over people. He’s watched a handful of giants shape the entire industry, dictating not only the pace of innovation but also who gets access to healthcare and who is left behind. For him, investing in biotech is an act of defiance, a way to open doors for dreamers, outsiders, those with ideas that could change everything if only given the chance,” she wrote.
CZ has also made several other private donations to charitable initiatives.
In January, venture firm YZi Labs led a $16 million investment round for the infrastructure project Sign.