
CZ returns to crypto with a $16M investment in blockchain airdrop platform Sign.
Despite Binance restrictions, CZ remains active in Web3, blockchain, and DeFi investments.
Sign focuses on secure token airdrops, with revenue jumping from $1.7M to $15M in 2024.
After serving a four-month prison sentence in the U.S. for violating anti-money laundering laws, former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao
Changpeng Zhao Changpeng Zhao is a well-known Chinese Canadian entrepreneur who is also known to be the founder of Binance, established in 2017 alongside Yi He, It is the biggest cryptocurrency exchange in the world based on trading sector and volume. Before this, CZ served as the Head of Development at Blockchain.info and later worked at OKCoin as the Chief Technology Officer. Under CZ’s leadership, Binance launched an ICO( initial coin offering ) that was able to successfully raise $15 million and rapidly became the largest exchange within a few months. Changpeng has always been an advocate for decentralized finance and blockchain Technology. Changpeng is a top blockchain speaker to is actively initiating contributions in the development of the rapidly growing crypto and blockchain space, where he recently attended the Token2049 Singapore event to share his insights on the tech.
Personal Details:Born: 1977Organization: BinanceLocation: UAEEducation: Changpeng graduated with a BSc. A degree in computer science from McGill University
Experience: CEO of Binance from Jul 2017 to Nov 2023
Founder- Bijie Tech from Sep 2015 to Jul 2017
Head of Development - Blockchain from 2013 to 2014
Partner - Fusion Systems from Nov 2005 to Dec 2013
Head of Trade Book Futures Development- Bloomberg from 2001 to 2005 EntrepreneurInvestorChief Executive Officer is back in the crypto world. His first big move? Investing $16 million in blockchain platform Sign, signaling his return to the industry.
We know you’re curious to know what this means for your holdings. Read on.
Investing in Blockchain Growth
On January 28, YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs) shared on X that they had invested in Sign, a blockchain-based token airdrop service. The company’s goal is to improve global token distribution for both people and AI agents, marking a significant step toward broader blockchain adoption.
Reports confirm that CZ actively participated in this $16 million funding round. Although he had shown interest in biotech after stepping down from Binance, he still supports blockchain, Web3, and DeFi startups.Â
Despite restrictions that prevent him from holding executive roles at Binance or influencing its decisions, CZ’s investment in Sign shows he’s still active in the crypto world.
Why Did CZ Choose Sign?
Sign focuses on distributing new cryptocurrencies through airdrops, rewarding early adopters, and encouraging participation in blockchain projects. Its standout feature is its secure token launch system, which uses strict rules and identity verification for all participants—ensuring the platform’s reliability and trustworthiness.
Impressive Growth and Future Plans
Since launching in 2021, Sign has experienced impressive growth. The company earned $1.7 million in revenue in 2023, but that figure surged to $15 million in 2024. According to Sign’s CEO and co-founder, Xin Yan, the growth is largely due to the success of the Open Network TON blockchain, which saw a significant increase in token airdrops last year.
With the new funding, Sign plans to expand globally and help governments incorporate blockchain technology. Its focus on on-chain identity verification could help make crypto safer and more widely accepted.
Support from Top Investors
Alongside CZ’s investment, other major investors in this funding round include Altos Ventures, HackVC, and Amber Ventures. Their backing further demonstrates strong confidence in Sign’s potential to make an impact in the blockchain and crypto space.
It seems like CZ is here to stay and he’s making his presence known!
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