Former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has donated $10 million in BNB tokens to Ethereum co-founder Vitalik’s open-source biotech initiatives, revealing the contribution months after the private transfer was made.
CZ disclosed the donation while expressing admiration for a YZi Labs post about people-centered biotech solutions, stating he was “just doing my little part” in advancing healthcare innovation.
The donation supports Buterin’s biotech research efforts through his Kanro fund, which focuses on advancing biotechnology research and philanthropic causes.
CZ also mentioned additional private donations to other charities, which have yielded “good results,” that he plans to share soon.
Both leaders have consistently demonstrated a commitment to utilizing their crypto wealth for humanitarian causes, ranging from disaster relief to legal defense funds and wildlife conservation.
Tech Titans Unite for Healthcare Revolution
CZ’s biotech donation stems from his deep conviction about challenging a healthcare system that “too often puts profit before people,” according to the YZi Labs post that moved him to disclose the contribution publicly.
The former Binance CEO has observed how industry giants dictate the pace of innovation and access to care, leaving many patients behind.
His investment philosophy focuses on backing founders that others overlook, betting on new science and innovative models that traditional healthcare systems ignore.
CZ believes in rolling up his sleeves and sitting at tables with founders rather than simply writing checks and walking away from investments.
The YZi Labs collaboration emerged from conversations about patients falling through cracks, families waiting for answers, and innovators whose voices get drowned out by established players.
CZ’s genuine curiosity and resolve impressed many, with the crypto community praising his generous act.
Vitalik Buterin’s biotech initiatives through Kanro fund have received substantial support from meme coin liquidations, with the Ethereum co-founder regularly converting unsolicited tokens into research funding.
Recent transactions show Buterin swapping 28 different meme coins for $984,000 in USDC, which was transferred to Kanro on January 6.
Source: SpotOnChain on X
The approach both leaders are using extends beyond traditional crypto philanthropy; it targets fundamental system changes rather than temporary relief efforts.
They prioritize backing scientists who aren’t boxed in by bureaucracy and small teams with transformative ideas.
Particularly with YZi Labs, the collaboration aims to create a lasting impact through innovative biotech solutions that democratize global access to healthcare.
Cryptocurrency Philanthropy Reaches New Heights
CZ and Vitalik have established themselves as leading crypto philanthropists, consistently channeling digital wealth toward humanitarian causes with remarkable frequency and scale.
CZ’s recent charitable activities include $605,000 in BNB donations for earthquake relief in Thailand and Myanmar, distributed through Binance platforms to affected communities.
His philanthropy extends to supporting victims of cryptocurrency scams, including a donation of 150 BNB ($100,000) to LIBRA meme coin victims and additional contributions for the TST and BROCCOLI token crashes.
CZ’s donation strategy often involves sharing wallet addresses publicly. By that, he enables broader participation in the crypto community’s charitable efforts.
Vitalik’s philanthropic pattern focuses on converting meme coins sent to his public wallet into charitable contributions, with over $60 million in proceeds supporting pandemic research, longevity initiatives, and AI development since 2021.
His diverse giving includes $292,000 for the Moo Deng hippo conservation at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand.
Legal defense funding represents another shared philanthropic priority, with Vitalik contributing $170,000 toward the legal battles of Tornado Cash developers Roman Storm and Alexey Pertsev.
The Ethereum Foundation also pledged $500,000, with matching funds of up to $750,000, for Storm’s defense against federal charges.
Notably, not only is money being committed, but also technical efforts. CZ’s earthquake relief distributions were facilitated through Binance’s KYC systems, demonstrating the practical applications of blockchain infrastructure for beneficial use beyond finance.
The scale of crypto philanthropy continues to expand, with total donations exceeding $1 billion in 2024, according to The Giving Block’s research.
Over 70% of major US charities now accept cryptocurrency donations, with projections reaching $2.5 billion by 2025 as mainstream adoption continues to accelerate.
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