Changpeng “CZ” Zhao

In January 2024, I immersed myself in research on Bitcoin after reading forecasts that the Securities and Exchange Commission would soon authorize Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The more I studied, the more the concept intrigued me—so much so that I searched for the original White Paper that Satoshi Nakamoto published in 2008. Despite not having a strong technical background, I realized how this innovation could empower people by offering an alternative to government-issued fiat currencies. Satoshi’s vision had been evolving since 2009, and 15 years later, we were still in the early days.

When I discovered that 10 Bitcoin once traded for a penny in 2010, and that by 2012 Bitcoin traded around $13, I recognized the potential for profound growth. By January 2024, Bitcoin soared into the $40,000 range.

Seeing the transformative power of blockchain technology compelled me to restructure my portfolio to acquire Bitcoin. I started buying in the $40,000 range, and I haven’t stopped buying, as shown by my accountability log.

The more I learned about Bitcoin, the more I wanted to become a part of the movement. Knowing that people in prison didn’t have access to the information, I began developing a course on the digital economy—hoping to make these concepts accessible to people who could not use the internet.

It’s a profound social injustice, in my view, that we block people in confinement from resources that could expand their horizons. Access to information is an inalienable right to human progress, and I am devoting the rest of my career to help more people learn so that they can reach a higher potential.

While researching Bitcoin, I learned about Changpeng Zhao—better known as CZ—and recognized him as one of Bitcoin’s leading ambassadors. He is the founder of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, among many other companies.

By the spring of 2024, my business partner, Justin, informed me that CZ’s team had requested a phone call. A federal judge had sentenced CZ to a four-month prison term, and he had questions about how to navigate the journey. I had already shifted most of my time toward our nonprofit, but when Justin told me that CZ had scheduled a call, I didn’t hesitate to help.

Today, CZ is building a new venture, which he calls Giggle academy. He is working to help children learn and prepare for jobs, regardless of where they are. I am super grateful to him for many reasons, including the generous donation he made to our nonprofit. Thanks to his contribution, we’re able to expand our reach, offering resources to people at no charge to them. Through his support, we can gather more data, show more people paths to success, and spotlight how we can all improve a system that imprisons more people than any other nation.

From that first call, I admired his resilience, especially in light of the massive fines—$50 million from him personally, and $4 billion from Binance, his company. He had already paid those fines, and it didn’t make sense to put him in prison for any time. Incarceration is not the answer for every person, particularly not for people who did not intend to commit criminal acts, such as CZ.

No one could change the past, but we all could work to influence a better future.

I consider it a great privilege to use my experience and network to help CZ and his family as they prepared for Lompoc Federal Prison Camp. I coordinated with his attorneys, offered insights about the policies inside, and did my best to ease his transition. Throughout CZ’s confinement, we communicated daily, focusing on drafting a manuscript of his inspiring life. His perspective on personal leadership, cryptocurrency, finance, and overcoming personal challenges will resonate with many people searching for direction.

Upon his release, CZ extended his gratitude in countless ways. He even flew me to Dubai for Binance Blockchain Week, giving me a front-row seat to the global crypto community. I remain profoundly grateful for all I learned during that time.

Today, CZ is building a new venture, which he calls Giggle academy. He is working to help children learn and prepare for jobs, regardless of where they are. I am super grateful to him for many reasons, including the generous donation he made to our nonprofit. Thanks to his contribution, we’re able to expand our reach, offering resources to people at no charge to them. Through his support, we can gather more data, show more people paths to success, and spotlight how we can all improve a system that imprisons more people than any other nation.

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