Vana, a start-up working towards the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Crypto with its focus on decentralized data ownership, has received a strategic investment from YZi Labs, formerly known as Binance Labs.
Apart from receiving the strategic investment, Vana has also announced that Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao has joined it in an advisory role.
This comes after Vana had previously raised $25 million from leading funds such as Paradigm, Coinbase Ventures, and Polychain Capital. Now with the new funding, Vana aims to use the investment for further development and expansion its DataDAO ecosystem.
A Major Boost for Decentralized Data and AI
Vana has been at the forefront of merging blockchain technology with AI, enabling users to take ownership of their personal data while contributing to AI models in a secure and decentralized manner. The latest investment from YZi Labs—formerly known as Binance Labs—will help Vana accelerate its development, expand its ecosystem, and attract more contributors to its DataDAO model.
YZi Labs’ decision to back Vana comes as part of its broader strategy to support innovative projects in Web3, AI, and biotechnology. The investment size remains undisclosed, but sources close to the matter suggest it is part of a larger effort by YZi Labs to drive the next wave of on-chain AI applications.
Further, the appointment of CZ as an advisor to Vana will add further credibility to the project. The Binance founder, who stepped down as CEO in late 2024, has been actively mentoring and investing in emerging blockchain projects. His deep expertise in building global-scale crypto platforms and navigating regulatory landscapes is expected to provide Vana with critical strategic insights.
We’re thrilled to announce @yzilabs strategic investment in Vana and to welcome @cz_binance as an Advisor as we advance the Data Layer for AI alongside our expanding DataDAO ecosystem
Join us this Wednesday for a LIVE discussion with CZ on what this partnership means for… https://t.co/qc6qxWP0RY
— vana (@vana) February 24, 2025
Why Vana? The Future of AI-Driven Data Economies
Founded with a mission to democratize data ownership, Vana operates a decentralized data marketplace where users can contribute, manage, and monetize their personal data without intermediaries. Unlike traditional data platforms that exploit user data for corporate profits, Vana enables individuals to share their data transparently and be compensated fairly.
The platform’s core innovation lies in its Data Liquidity Pools (DLPs), which allow AI models to access high-quality, user-owned datasets while ensuring privacy and equitable distribution of rewards. By tokenizing data contributions, Vana is creating a new incentive structure for AI development—one that prioritizes user control over data.
YZi Labs’ Growing Focus on Web3 and AI
YZi Labs has been making waves since its rebranding from Binance Labs in early 2025. The firm, managing over $10 billion in assets, has been expanding beyond its crypto roots, with a renewed focus on Web3-AI convergence. Its investment in Vana is seen as part of a larger strategy to back projects that are shaping the future of decentralized artificial intelligence.
“Vana’s approach to data ownership aligns with the Web3 ethos of decentralization and fairness. AI is only as good as the data it learns from, and we believe Vana is pioneering a user-centric model that could redefine AI training,” said Ella Zhang, CEO of YZi Labs.
VANA Price Soars 35% in Market Reaction
Thus, with fresh capital and CZ’s strategic mentorship, Vana is set to scale its platform and onboard more users into its DataDAO ecosystem. The company plans to introduce new incentives for data contributors, expand its AI partnerships, and strengthen its blockchain infrastructure to ensure seamless and secure data sharing.
As the intersection of AI and blockchain continues to gain momentum, Vana’s latest funding round signals that the industry is moving towards a more decentralized, user-driven data economy. The collaboration with YZi Labs and CZ’s involvement could position Vana as a key player in shaping the future of AI-powered Web3 applications.
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