CZ-Backed YZi Labs Teases Opening $10B War Chest to Outside Backers: FT

In a recent Financial Times (FT) report published by Nikou Asgari, the Changpeng “CZ” Zhao-backed global investment firm, YZi Labs, says it may open its $10 billion portfolio to outside investors—but only after it beefs up in artificial intelligence (AI) and biotech.

YZi Labs may eventually open its $10 billion portfolio to outside investors, according to the latest report from FT’s Nikou Asgari. Head Ella Zhang said the firm is evaluating a conversion into an external-facing fund, but is not ready while it builds deeper AI and biotech expertise. “There’s always a lot of external investors interested and we will eventually consider turning it into an external-facing fund. We just think it’s not there yet,” Ella Zhang, head of YZi Labs, told FT’s Asgari on Tuesday. The report notes that YZi Labs previously accepted about $300 million in third-party money in 2022 before partially returning it, signaling cautious pacing amid inbound demand. Near-term priorities include staffing and sharpening diligence so any vehicle can meet expectations from limited partners. FT reports that, for now, YZi Labs will continue investing internal capital while it lays groundwork for a shift to a fund structure inviting outside commitments.