YZi Labs Invests in AI Crypto Startup Vana with CZ as Advisor – Data Ownership Revolution Underway

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The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain is rapidly evolving, and one of the most significant developments in this space comes from YZi Labs’ strategic investment in Vana, a pioneering crypto-AI startup focused on data ownership. This move not only marks a pivotal moment for decentralized AI but also signals a broader shift in how users interact with their personal data in the digital economy.

Backed by YZi Labs — formerly known as Binance Labs — and advised by CZ (Changpeng Zhao), co-founder of Binance, Vana is positioning itself at the forefront of a technological revolution that puts individuals back in control of their data. With growing concerns over privacy, surveillance capitalism, and centralized AI models, Vana’s mission resonates more than ever.

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A Strategic Bet on Decentralized AI

YZi Labs recently announced its first major foray into the AI domain with a strategic investment in Vana, made in January 2025. While the exact amount, valuation, and funding structure remain undisclosed, YZi Labs was the sole investor in this round, underscoring its strong confidence in Vana’s vision.

This investment follows Vana’s mainnet launch and token generation event in December 2024. The VANA token currently trades around $7.71 — up 23% on the day — though it remains down over 75% from its initial issuance price. Despite market volatility, the project holds a market cap of approximately $237 million and a fully diluted valuation (FDV) of $924 million.

Notably, Vana had already secured $25 million in prior funding from top-tier investors including Paradigm, Coinbase Ventures, and Polychain Capital, making YZi Labs’ entry a powerful endorsement of its long-term potential.

YZi Labs’ pivot into AI reflects a deliberate expansion beyond its Web3 roots. The organization now actively pursues opportunities at the convergence of artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and biotechnology, aiming to "capture the full spectrum of innovation."

CZ Joins as Advisor: Championing User-Centric Data Control

As part of the partnership, CZ has officially joined Vana as an advisor. His involvement brings both credibility and strategic insight, especially given his deep experience in scaling global crypto platforms and navigating regulatory landscapes.

After stepping back from Binance following legal proceedings in the U.S., CZ has returned to the ecosystem through advisory and investment roles. His renewed focus aligns with emerging trends where decentralization meets next-generation technologies.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), CZ emphasized Vana’s core philosophy:

“Crypto is the currency of AI. Data is the fuel. Web2 companies shouldn’t own your data — you should.”

This sentiment lies at the heart of Vana’s mission: returning data sovereignty to individuals. It also reinforces YZi Labs’ broader strategy of supporting projects that challenge centralized power structures in tech.

A spokesperson for YZi Labs confirmed that CZ is actively mentoring several portfolio companies and remains open to engaging with early-stage founders shaping the future of decentralized systems.

Vana: Redefining Data Ownership in the Age of AI

Founded in 2021 by Anna Kazlauskas and Arthur Art Abal, Vana is headquartered in San Francisco and operates at the cutting edge of AI and blockchain integration. The company’s primary goal? To accelerate AI development while ensuring users are not just contributors — but owners and beneficiaries.

At the core of Vana’s architecture is a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain designed specifically for managing data rights and value distribution. Users can contribute their data to decentralized entities called Data DAOs (Data Decentralized Autonomous Organizations), which aggregate datasets for training AI models.

Crucially, users retain full ownership of their data throughout the process. They can opt-in to share data, earn rewards when it's used, and even participate in governance decisions related to how their data is utilized.

How Data DAOs Work

This model disrupts the traditional Web2 paradigm, where platforms like social media giants harvest user data without consent or compensation. Instead, Vana enables a fairer, more transparent system where participation is rewarded.

With support from YZi Labs, Vana plans to expand its Data DAO ecosystem by launching dedicated data tokens for over 16 distinct Data DAOs. These will target high-impact sectors such as:

The vision is clear: create a global marketplace where data flows freely, ethically, and profitably — all under user control.

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The Bigger Picture: YZi Labs’ Vision for Innovation

YZi Labs’ investment in Vana is more than just financial backing — it’s a statement about the future of technology. By broadening its scope beyond Web3 into AI and biotech, YZi Labs is positioning itself as a catalyst for cross-disciplinary breakthroughs.

Prior to Vana, YZi Labs had already invested in other promising AI-crypto hybrids like SaharaAI and MyShell, indicating a consistent pattern of interest in decentralized intelligence infrastructure.

“We’re no longer confined to blockchain alone,” said a representative from YZi Labs. “Our mandate is to identify transformative innovations — whether they’re powered by code, cells, or algorithms — and help them scale responsibly.”

This diversified approach increases resilience against market cycles and opens new avenues for impact. Moreover, CZ’s advisory role strengthens ties between Vana and the wider Binance ecosystem, potentially unlocking future integrations with exchange services, wallet tools, or AI-powered trading features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Vana’s main goal?
A: Vana aims to give individuals ownership and economic benefits from their personal data when used in AI training, using blockchain-based Data DAOs.

Q: Who is funding Vana?
A: Vana has raised funds from leading investors including Paradigm, Coinbase Ventures, Polychain Capital, and now YZi Labs — which was the sole participant in its latest strategic round.

Q: What role does CZ play at Vana?
A: CZ serves as an advisor, offering strategic guidance based on his experience building one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges.

Q: How does YZi Labs differ from Binance Labs?
A: YZi Labs is the rebranded version of Binance Labs as of January 2025, with an expanded focus beyond Web3 into AI, biotechnology, and other frontier sciences.

Q: Can anyone join a Data DAO?
A: Yes — users can opt-in to contribute data and earn rewards. Participation is open globally via Vana’s platform.

Q: Is the VANA token available on major exchanges?
A: While not confirmed in this article, many similar tokens eventually list on major platforms; users should verify availability through official channels.

👉 Stay ahead of next-gen crypto trends — find out what’s next in decentralized AI.

Final Thoughts: The Rise of User-Owned Intelligence

The collaboration between YZi Labs and Vana represents a turning point in the evolution of digital ownership. As AI systems grow more powerful, the question isn’t just how smart they are — but who controls them.

By placing data ownership directly in users’ hands through blockchain technology, Vana challenges the status quo of Big Tech dominance. Backed by seasoned investors and advised by industry pioneers like CZ, the project has both vision and execution capability.

As we move deeper into 2025, expect increased momentum around decentralized AI ecosystems. Projects like Vana aren’t just building tools — they’re laying the foundation for a more equitable digital future.

For innovators, investors, and everyday internet users alike, the message is clear: your data has value. And soon, you may finally be able to claim it.

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