Changpeng Zhao, popularly known as CZ, has long been a towering figure in the world of cryptocurrency. His departure from Binance, the global crypto exchange he founded, and subsequent incarceration in the U.S. cast an unexpected shadow on his journey. However, CZ’s recent reflections, shared through the social platform X, reveal not a man brought down by recent events, but someone brimming with fresh enthusiasm and renewed purpose. His focus now, he says, lies in education, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, areas where he sees immense potential for growth and lasting impact.
After his release from U.S. custody last Friday, CZ took the opportunity to reflect publicly on his experiences and, more importantly, where his future lies. He began his update with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging their role in keeping him strong during his darkest hours. Having spent time in prison, his remarks came with the type of reflective wisdom often reserved for those who’ve seen the harder sides of life. His comments on the food—delighting in the taste and the rare opportunity of having more than one piece of fruit per day—were a light-hearted yet poignant reminder of the simple pleasures often overlooked.
With humour intact, CZ didn’t linger on his past. Instead, his words looked to the future, a future he’s determined to shape. His message was clear: this is not a man resting on the laurels of past successes but someone itching to explore new terrain.
One of the key projects he mentioned is Giggle Academy, an initiative that seems to have captured his imagination. The academy, which focuses on education, will play a major role in his life for the coming years, he says. While details remain scarce, it’s clear that this educational venture aligns with his broader focus on nurturing future talents in blockchain and decentralised technologies. For someone who built one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world, this is a natural evolution—a way of passing on the knowledge and insights he’s gained from his years in the industry.
CZ’s interest in decentralised technologies is far from waning. He reaffirmed his long-term commitment to blockchain, expressing a desire to continue investing in these systems, as well as in artificial intelligence and biotechnology. His message here is one of optimism. While many see challenges in the current regulatory landscape and the ongoing scrutiny around cryptocurrencies, CZ views this as an era of immense possibility. His outlook is rooted in his belief that future opportunities will outshine those of the past.
The inclusion of AI and biotech in his vision might surprise those who’ve known CZ primarily for his work in crypto. However, it reflects the growing convergence of different technological spheres. As AI continues to influence industries far and wide, its integration into blockchain is only natural. Meanwhile, biotechnology—an industry often seen as distant from the tech world—has been rapidly adopting blockchain for secure data storage and other applications. CZ’s pivot towards these sectors indicates that he’s not just following trends, but anticipating the next wave of innovation.
His philanthropic endeavours will also play a significant role in the next chapter of his life. Speaking candidly, CZ mentioned his desire to contribute more to charity and education, hinting at “rough ideas” that are yet to be fully fleshed out. While the details may be sparse, the commitment is evident. It’s likely that his charitable efforts will follow the same forward-thinking path that marked his work with Binance. The founder’s ability to build not only a platform but a community, reflects a genuine desire to make an impact—this time, with a greater focus on giving back.
CZ’s personal update wasn’t just about future ambitions though. He also took time to discuss his ongoing book project, one that he’s about two-thirds of the way through. Writing, it seems, has proven more demanding than he initially thought, but he’s determined to finish the job. Given his extensive experience in the tech world, combined with the personal trials he’s faced, it’s bound to be an interesting read. Whether the book will serve as a memoir, a business guide, or a combination of both remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: CZ isn’t done telling his story.
The most striking part of his reflection was perhaps his commentary on Binance’s continued success in his absence. “It’s every founder’s dream,” he remarked, referring to the fact that the company has thrived without his daily involvement. For someone so intricately tied to the brand and its meteoric rise, this admission might come across as bittersweet. Yet, CZ seemed genuinely pleased with Binance’s ongoing journey, as if the success of the company in his absence was the true testament to the strength of the foundation he laid.
CZ’s reflections offer a window into the mindset of a man who’s been to the highest peaks of success and through moments of great personal challenge. His ability to laugh at the small things, like enjoying a piece of fruit, shows a groundedness that contrasts sharply with his global stature. And yet, his ambitions remain undiminished. The fact that he’s looking towards AI and biotech, alongside his continued commitment to blockchain and decentralisation, shows that he still has plenty of energy to shape the future of tech.
There’s a deeper message in CZ’s update—one that speaks to resilience, adaptability, and the importance of long-term thinking. He’s not simply bouncing back from a challenging period; he’s moving forward with new focus and drive. In many ways, his next chapter might be the most interesting one yet.
For now, CZ is taking some much-needed downtime. But as he put it, “There are always more opportunities in the future than there were in the past.” And with his track record, few would doubt him.
With plans in education, blockchain, AI, and biotechnology, CZ’s future looks as diverse and exciting as ever. His story continues, and from the sound of it, there’s much more to come. Whether it’s Giggle Academy or biotech, one thing is for sure: CZ is far from finished. In fact, he might just be getting started.
