Changpeng Zhao, popularly known as CZ, is a Chinese-Canadian serial entrepreneur. He is well known as the founder and CEO of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange.[24]

As an expert in blockchain and trading systems, he has developed Binance into the top blockchain ecosystem, including the Binance Exchange, Binance Labs, Binance Launchpad, Binance Academy, Binance Charity, Binance NFT, and **more. CZ discovered bitcoin in 2013 while playing poker with his friends.[**23]

Early Life & Education

CZ was born on September 10, 1977, in Jiangsu province, China to his Chinese parents, who were both teachers in China. His father was a professor in China before he was branded "pro-bourgeoisie intellect" and exiled from his country. When he was 12 years old, CZ moved with his family to Vancouver, Canada where they settled.[24]

**During his teenage years, Zhao helped support his family by working several service industry jobs, including at a Chevron gas station, at McDonald’s, and as a referee at volleyball games.[5]**While in Canada, CZ attended McGill University in Montreal, Canada where he earned a computer science degree.[6]