Binance co-founder Yi He clarifies her relationship with CEO Changpeng Zhao
Binance co-founder Yi He recently spoke to Bloomberg about her relationship with Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, dismissing any comparisons to a past romantic relationship between former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and his ex-colleague Caroline Ellison. Yi He emphasized that while Ellison was an employee, she herself is a partner to Zhao. She explained that the relationship between co-founders requires more than a dating relationship, as it is based on shared beliefs and goes beyond gender.
- Yi He distinguishes her relationship with Zhao from the romantic relationship between Bankman-Fried and Ellison.
- She describes the co-founder relationship as comradeship, while dating relationships are based on chemistry and physical attraction.
- Yi He and Zhao have been business and life partners, and she compares their relationship to that of college roommates.
- She addresses curiosity and speculation about their relationship, comparing it to fans hoping for a romantic relationship between two people.
- Yi He and Zhao have known each other since their OKCoin days, and she highlights Zhao’s decision to bring her into Binance based on her achievements.
Importance of the co-founders’ relationship
Yi He emphasizes the significance of the relationship between co-founders, stating that it requires more than a dating relationship. She also briefly mentions that Binance has backup executives in training, suggesting that the company would be able to function without them if they were to ever depart.
Binance’s response to regulatory challenges
Binance is currently facing legal challenges from U.S. regulators, but Yi He states that the company is willing to adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape. The future of the company, in terms of leadership, may involve Richard Teng, Binance’s head of regional markets outside the U.S., who is seen as a potential successor to Zhao.
Hot Take:
Yi He’s clarification of her relationship with Zhao highlights the importance of the co-founder relationship in a business. It also shows that Binance is prepared for the possibility of their departure with backup executives in training. While facing regulatory challenges, Binance remains committed to adapting to the changing regulatory environment. The potential succession of Richard Teng as Zhao’s successor indicates the company’s readiness for leadership transition.
