Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ, is making headlines again. The former Binance CEO and crypto pioneer says fundraising is blockchain’s true “killer app.” He shared this in a recent post on X, responding to SaharaAI’s massive $75 million, and that’s stirred plenty of buzz across the crypto space.
As the U.S. government leans more pro-crypto and the market shows signs of revival, CZ’s comment feels timely. And from his latest ventures to Binance’s current path under CEO Richard Teng, CZ’s influence on the industry is far from over.
SaharaAI’s Big Win: Blockchain’s Fundraising Potential
CZ made his comment after @buidlpad highlighted SaharaAI’s fundraising numbers – $16 million in BNB and $59 million in USD1, a USD-pegged stablecoin built on BNB Chain and linked to Trump-aligned World Liberty Financial. The raise beat expectations by a staggering 777%.
“This is a great showcase of its strong utility,” @buidlpad tweeted. CZ replied to the post, though he later deleted his comment. Still, the message landed: blockchain is proving its strength in areas like capital raising, not just payments or transactions.
From Binance to Giggle Academy: CZ’s Next Mission
Since stepping down from Binance, CZ has shifted focus toward education. He launched Giggle Academy, a free online learning platform offering math, English, and blockchain courses to underserved kids in developing countries.
While serving a four-month prison sentence in 2024 over charges from the DOJ and SEC, CZ also began writing a book. It combines his personal story, the early days of blockchain, and how Binance came to be. The manuscript is still in the works and is expected to give readers a deeper look into the world he helped build.
Richard Teng Backs Bitcoin’s Role in the Future
Binance’s current CEO, Richard Teng, is also confident in crypto’s future, especially Bitcoin’s. He recently called it the flagship crypto and a “resilient store of value” in times of economic uncertainty.
Teng believes that with growing institutional interest and friendlier U.S. policies, Bitcoin will keep rising in importance, acting as digital gold in diversified portfolios and playing a larger role in global finance.
The Bigger Picture
With Changpeng Zhao’s fundraising announcement and Teng’s Bitcoin predictions, a new chapter is growing in the crypto world. SaharaAI’s success showcases blockchain’s power, while CZ’s efforts in education and writing will keep his legacy alive.
The crypto community is watching closely, waiting to see what’s next in CZ’s story.
