Yi He Binance Founder – Explained

Yi He, a trailblazing Chinese entrepreneur and investor, stands at the forefront of the cryptocurrency revolution as the co-founder of Binance, the world’s largest and most influential cryptocurrency exchange, alongside Changpeng Zhao. Serving as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Binance, Yi He leads the charge in business, marketing, and branding strategy, further extending her influence as the head of Binance Labs, the venture capital arm of the exchange.

Born in 1986 in a small village in Sichuan province, China, Yi He’s early life was shaped by humble beginnings. Raised by parents who worked as teachers, she grew up with a firsthand understanding of financial struggles, contributing to her resilient and determined spirit.

Yi He’s professional journey began with a challenging role promoting a new soft drink, distributing free samples in front of a supermarket. This early experience instilled in her a work ethic characterized by perseverance and dedication. Transitioning to the entertainment industry in 2012, she worked as a TV show host for a travel show on a Chinese Television Channel.

Her foray into the crypto realm commenced in 2013 when she learned about Bitcoin while working at a startup. By 2014, Yi He co-founded OKCoin, a cryptocurrency exchange, where she played a pivotal role in branding and marketing. OKCoin quickly ascended to become the largest Chinese cryptocurrency-to-fiat exchange, capturing a substantial 60% market share by 2015.

In December 2015, Yi He ventured into the mobile video-sharing tech industry, joining Yixia Technology as Vice President. Here, she contributed to the creation of the live-broadcasting platform “Yi Zhi Bo,” subsequently acquired by Weibo.

The turning point in Yi He’s career occurred in August 2017 when she partnered with Changpeng Zhao to lead Binance as CMO. Under her dynamic leadership, Binance swiftly evolved into one of the world’s premier cryptocurrency exchanges, offering a diverse range of trading services for various cryptocurrencies.

Yi He’s influence extends beyond her roles at Binance, as she actively contributes to the industry’s thought leadership. Her insightful perspectives and expertise have positioned her as a speaker at industry events, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space.

In a significant development on August 3rd, 2022, Yi He assumed the role of the head of Binance Labs, demonstrating her commitment to identifying and supporting early-stage projects and founders with disruptive potential. Her vision for Binance Labs involves driving the future adoption of Web3 and blockchain technology by establishing industry standards.

Yi He’s impact is not confined to the business realm; she is actively engaged in philanthropy. Through the Binance Charity Foundation, she has contributed to initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the global charity sector. Initiatives like Binance for Children and the Binance COVID-19 Relief Fund underscore her commitment to social responsibility.

In a series of interviews, Yi He has emphasized personal growth, the importance of challenging oneself, and the significance of collaboration in achieving success. As a thought leader, she believes in the transformative power of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in reshaping existing financial systems.

Yi He’s role in Binance Labs involves strategic investment decisions, especially during market downturns, with a focus on long-term benefits for the company. Her investment strategies revolve around supporting projects that can thrive irrespective of market conditions, contributing to the overall development of the blockchain industry.

Yi He’s advocacy for women in the Web3 space is noteworthy. She encourages women to focus on mindset, growth management, and decision-making, urging them to break free from limiting beliefs and aspire to be successful business leaders.

Addressing the inevitability of cryptocurrency regulation in a June 2023 Bloomberg interview, Yi He highlighted Binance’s commitment to compliance, distinguishing it from confrontational approaches taken by others in the industry. She stressed that understanding the nuances of the industry is crucial for effective regulation.

Yi He’s multifaceted contributions to the cryptocurrency space, coupled with her philanthropy and thought leadership, underscore her position as a key influencer and advocate for positive change in the evolving landscape of blockchain and cryptocurrencies.