{"id":"yi-he","title":"Yi He","content":"**Yi He** (born **He Ying**; Chinese: 何一; pinyin: *Hé Yī*) is a Chinese entrepreneur and investor best known for co-founding [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance), the world's largest [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) exchange, with [Changpeng Zhao](https://iq.wiki/wiki/changpeng-zhao). Described by *Bloomberg* as \"Crypto's Most Powerful Woman\", she serves as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Chief Customer Service Officer at [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) and is also the head of [Binance Labs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-labs). [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-iMs3MArfbD6NT5SN) [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-X8JLZ8CXGC0Gi6sL)\n\nShe was previously a co-founder of the [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) exchange [OKX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/okcoin) (formerly [OKCoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/okcoin)) and also served as Vice President for the leading mobile video tech company, Yixia Technology.\n\n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](3zPCZB5xN8g)$$\n\n## Early Life & Education\n\nYi He was born He Ying on November 15, 1986, in China. She grew up in a rural area in Sichuan province in western China, where her parents worked as teachers. In one of her interviews, she mentioned: [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-iMs3MArfbD6NT5SN) [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-X8JLZ8CXGC0Gi6sL)\n\n**“I'm from a very small village and a very poor family”.**\n\n## Career\n\nYi He's first job was promoting a new soft drink by giving out free samples in front of a supermarket.\n\n\"It was a hard job and all the talking and hawking led to a hoarse voice”\n\nYi He's career in the entertainment industry began in 2012 when she joined a Chinese Television Channel and worked as a TV show host for a travel show. She left the media industry in July 2014 and joined a startup.\n\nYi He learned about [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) in 2013 while working for the start-up. In 2014, she entered the cryptocurrency space as one of the co-founders of [OKCoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/okcoin) (now [OKX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/okx)). She led OKCoin’s branding and marketing strategy, handling user operations, online marketing, social media, PR, and branding. Her efforts helped [OKCoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/okcoin) become the largest Chinese cryptocurrency-to-fiat exchange as of 2015 and obtain 60% of the Chinese market share. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-iMs3MArfbD6NT5SN)\n\nIn December 2015, Yi He joined the leading mobile video-sharing tech company, Yixia Technology. She served as Vice President and handled the product management and marketing operations for the company and its subsidiaries. She created the live-broadcasting platform “Yi Zhi Bo,\" which was later acquired by a social network company, Weibo. At that time, she said in a blog post:\n\n“This world is crazier than you think, and I am part of this crazy world. Therefore, I would like to go back to my battlefield, join [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance), in order to complete my mission.”\n\nIn August 2017, she joined [Changpeng Zhao](https://iq.wiki/wiki/changpeng-zhao) as a co-founder of [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance), serving as their CMO. Under her leadership, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) became the world's largest [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) exchange by trading volume in just six months. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-iMs3MArfbD6NT5SN)\n\nAs a co-founder of [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance), Yi He is reported to hold a significant ownership stake of at least 10% in a holding company associated with the exchange. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-iMs3MArfbD6NT5SN)\n\nYi He had been responsible for many of [Binance's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) key initiatives, including the launch of Binance's [Initial Coin Offering (ICO)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/initial-coin-offering) platform and its educational initiatives aimed at promoting the adoption and understanding of [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) and [cryptocurrencies](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency).\n\nSince 2017, Yi He has served as CMO of [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) managing Binance's venture investment arm and all marketing efforts, including online marketing operations management, social media management, PR, and branding management.\n\n![](https://ipfs.everipedia.org/ipfs/QmVxrgcjdzEvEUQ1XnkF1cBzwQ8TnfNXsvs122Zigxz951)\n\nYi He is also a [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) and [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) thought leader, regularly speaking at industry events and contributing to the development of the industry.\n\n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](IHEfmluszTs)$$\n\n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](j8_zU0dNdUw)$$\n\nOn August 3rd, 2022, Yi He was appointed as the new head of [Binance Labs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-labs), the venture capital (VC) arm and incubator of [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance). Having been actively involved in [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) Labs since its inception, [CZ](https://iq.wiki/wiki/changpeng-zhao) and the team believed it was a natural progression for her to take on a larger role.\n\n“As part of the founding team, Yi has been actively involved in Labs since its inception and has played a pivotal role in identifying early-stage projects and founders with the vision and drive to disrupt those global institutions that no longer serve society effectively. This is the perfect moment for Yi to take on a larger role in Labs as this market presents an unparalleled opportunity to identify those projects with the tenacity to thrive in tough market conditions.” - Changpeng Zhao\n\nYi took the opportunity to lead global strategy and day-to-day operations at [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) Labs. Her vision is to drive the future adoption of [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) and [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) technology by building the standard for the blockchain industry. Under her leadership, finding motivated and capable founders has been the focal point when identifying investments.\n\n“Part of the journey of seeing [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) grow, especially through tough market conditions, has been the ability to identify those founders that have the skills and embody the values needed to thrive in an environment where resources are more limited. As a leading player in the space, my goal is to help define the industry standard by identifying and supporting sustainable projects and building an ecosystem of quality blockchain solutions that empowers the entire industry” - Yi He\n\nIn June 2023, Radiant Capital, a decentralized finance lending and borrowing protocol, secured a $10 million investment from [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) Labs with the guidance of Yi He. She emphasized Radiant's potential for driving broader adoption, particularly through its cross-chain capabilities.\n\n\"Radiant Capital's commitment to facilitating seamless cross-chain transactions for DeFi, and performance on [Arbitrum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/arbitrum) and [BNB Chain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-smart-chain) demonstrates its potential for driving mass adoption.”\n\n## Personal Life\n\nYi He has reportedly been in a long-term relationship with [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) co-founder Changpeng Zhao since 2014. The couple have a child together. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-iMs3MArfbD6NT5SN)\n\n## Philanthropy\n\nYi He is also actively involved in a number of charitable activities. Some of the notable ones include:\n\n​[Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) Charity [Foundation](https://iq.wiki/wiki/foundation): This is a non-profit organization founded by [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) in 2018, with the goal of using [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) technology to enhance transparency and efficiency in the global charity sector. It has carried out several initiatives, including providing relief aid to disaster-stricken areas and helping to educate underprivileged children.\n\n​[Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/wiki/binance) for Children: This is a campaign launched by [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) Charity [Foundation](https://iq.wiki/wiki/foundation) in 2019, aimed at helping children in need around the world. As part of this initiative, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) has donated funds to organizations working in education, healthcare, and other areas to support children's development.\n\n​[Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) COVID-19 Relief Fund: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) established a relief fund in 2020 to provide financial support to organizations and individuals affected by the crisis. The company also launched a fundraising campaign, encouraging its users to donate funds, which were then distributed to those in need.\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](vNRQFWfX7Sc)\n\n## Interviews\n\n### Personal Growth\n\nOn July 15th, 2022, the first interview given in English by Yi He was released where she highlights the importance of challenging oneself as well as what it takes to become successful. Throughout the interview, she talks about her willingness to challenge herself and take risks in her career. For example, when she left her role in media to enter the [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) industry for the first time, she actually didn't find it too difficult.\n\n\"My talent has always been trying to challenge myself. I think a lot of people set limits for themselves so they just keep enjoying life and want to stay where they feel comfortable.”\n\nShe also stated that she believes blockchain technology and [cryptocurrencies](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) have the power to existing financial systems.\n\n“I felt it really had the potential to help people globally. I came to the decision to join very fast. I believed it would be the future.”\n\nYi He also recognizes that success is a team effort and that it is important to hire the best people, highlighting the importance of collaboration.\n\n\"The biggest challenge that we face is making sure we hire the best people in the world.\"\"No one can be successful on their own\"\n\nIn the interview, she also explained that the reason behind CZ being the face of the company was because he suited the role better than she did, despite the pair of them being the ones who founded the company together.\n\n\"CZ is definitely a better candidate to be the public face of the company. He’s like the captain, or the driver and if the company has too many public figureheads that would make people confused.\"\n\n### Investment Strategies\n\nOn September 19th, 2022, Yi took part in an interview going over her investment strategies for [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) Labs. Firstly, she stated that the team was looking out for projects that would benefit the company long-term and are still in their early stages. She also believes that the bear market is a good investment opportunity as it helps get rid of projects that lack a solid foundation.\n\n\"We all know it’s a good investment opportunity in a bear market, as many teams that only look to make some quick money would be forced out of the industry. It’s good timing now to support those who really want to run a good business and believe in this industry.\n\nYi also added that the team looks for projects that would benefit the company regardless of the conditions of the market, but make bolder, yet calculated, investment decisions during bear markets.\n\n\"We generally figure out what we really want no matter if we’re in a bull or bear market. In a bear market, I think we should make investments more aggressively, but not just for the sake of investing.\"\n\nYi highlights that there are three types of companies that [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) Labs is looking at, those that build the infrastructure, those that run all kinds of blockchain applications, and those that provide blockchain-related services.\n\n\"There are three types of companies we’re looking at. The first type are those that build the infrastructure. The second type of projects we’d invest in are those that run all kinds of blockchain applications. The third type of companies we’re looking at are those that provide blockchain-related services to support the better development of the industry, such as data security.\"\n\n### Yi's Advice for Women\n\nOn March 8th, 2023, Yi He stated that she believes that women need to focus on culminating the mindset to succeed in the [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) space. She said that women should \"never set a limit\" on themselves, and instead, be assertive, take ownership, and focus on becoming good business leaders regardless of their gender. Yi emphasized that everyone must focus on three key components: mindset, growth management, and decision-making. Yi noted that nearly 30% of senior leaders at [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) are women who report directly to the company’s CEO, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao. In an effort to promote education and provide opportunities for women, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) Charity announced its initiative to provide over 30,000 [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) scholarships over the next year, with some of the scholarships specifically targeting women-centered organizations in developing countries.\n\n“Forget your gender. Don’t focus on the fact that you’re a woman in a man’s world. Instead, focus on how to be a good business leader, regardless of being a man or woman.”\n\n### Regulatory Views\n\nOn June 28, 2023, Yi He discussed the global trend of cryptocurrency regulation in a Bloomberg interview, acknowledging its inevitability and potential benefits. Her remarks came amid regulatory challenges faced by [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) and its CEO [Changpeng Zhao](https://iq.wiki/wiki/changpeng-zhao). Yi He emphasized the importance of compliance and noted that cooperation with government agencies is more effective than a confrontational approach. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-iMs3MArfbD6NT5SN)\n\nIn a separate statement on [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance)'s compliance efforts, she argued for the company's relative position in the industry, stating: “If they really took the time to understand our industry, they would see that if [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) isn’t compliant, then practically no other global trading platform or offshore company is.” [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-5fyfjeu18n3)","summary":"Yi He is a Chinese entrepreneur and investor, best known for co-founding Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, and serving as its Chief Marketin...","images":[{"id":"QmRyhhd12maan8NnM76GTrX3oY1zkqhRAdu4Z8j6RKXHJi","type":"image/jpeg"}],"categories":[{"id":"people","title":"People in crypto"}],"tags":[{"id":"PeopleInDeFi"},{"id":"Founders"}],"media":[],"metadata":[{"id":"references","value":"[{\"id\":\"5fyfjeu18n3\",\"url\":\"https://fortune.com/2022/08/04/he-yi-binance-labs-changpeng-zhao-cofounder-crypto-winter-venture-capital/\",\"description\":\"Ye Hi on Forbes\",\"timestamp\":1699528219340},{\"id\":\"iMs3MArfbD6NT5SN\",\"url\":\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yi\\\\_He\",\"description\":\"Yi He on Wikipedia\",\"timestamp\":1763637107044},{\"id\":\"X8JLZ8CXGC0Gi6sL\",\"url\":\"https://x.com/heyibinance?lang=en\",\"description\":\"Yi He's X Profile\",\"timestamp\":1763637107044}]"},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"\"https://ipfs.everipedia.org/ipfs/QmQvQygakgz3sCrtEVwoUhFNjDFyYpSvVmfzDvy18otaKy\""},{"id":"commit-message","value":"\"Updated overview section\""},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"QmQvQygakgz3sCrtEVwoUhFNjDFyYpSvVmfzDvy18otaKy"}],"events":[],"user":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"author":{"id":"0x98c41750F292AC7730F50eA8e9f24dd0CfEd2957"},"operator":{"id":"0x162217e3b309cDd8855613d7CcC6283505993c58"},"language":"en","version":1,"linkedWikis":{"blockchains":[],"founders":[],"speakers":[]},"recentActivity":"{\"items\":[{\"id\":\"8029f537-1583-4c9b-958b-47128bea4cf5\",\"title\":\"Yi He\",\"description\":\"Yi He is a Chinese entrepreneur and investor, best known for co-founding Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, and serving as its Chief Marketin...\",\"timestamp\":\"2025-11-05T21:04:43.576Z\",\"category\":\"Wiki Update\",\"status\":{\"icon\":\"RiGlobalLine\",\"label\":\"Wiki Updated\",\"iconClassName\":\"text-green-500\"},\"user\":{\"name\":\"0x98c41750F292AC7730F50eA8e9f24dd0CfEd2957\",\"address\":\"0x162217e3b309cDd8855613d7CcC6283505993c58\"},\"button\":{\"label\":\"View Summary\",\"icon\":\"RiFileTextLine\"},\"summarySections\":[{\"title\":\"Philanthropy\",\"subtitle\":\"Content from the Philanthropy section was removed.\",\"variant\":\"removed\",\"changeCount\":2,\"changes\":[\"Removed details about charitable activities, including the Binance Charity Foundation, Binance for Children, and the Binance COVID-19 Relief Fund.\",\"Removed an embedded YouTube video from the section.\"]},{\"title\":\"Metadata\",\"subtitle\":\"Added new metadata fields related to the wiki's statistics and score.\",\"variant\":\"added\",\"changeCount\":4,\"changes\":[\"Added metadata 'words-changed' with value '31'.\",\"Added metadata 'percent-changed' with value '0.26'.\",\"Added metadata 'blocks-changed' with value 'content, tags'.\",\"Added metadata 'wiki-score' with value '60'.\"]}]}]}"}