"I Built The World's Biggest Bitcoin Exchange Then Lost Everything... So I Told The Truth" | CZ

CZ, the founder of Binance, shares the raw, unfiltered story of his rise from extreme poverty in rural China to building the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange—and his subsequent fall from grace, including a prison sentence and a presidential pardon. In his memoir 'Freedom of Money,' written in just 15-minute daily sessions on a shared prison computer, CZ reflects on how his upbringing shaped his belief in technology as a force for financial liberation. He recounts the rapid growth of Binance, driven by user protection and innovation, and explains his decision to voluntarily surrender to U.S. authorities despite having a safe haven in the UAE. The episode delves into his mental and physical struggles in prison, the emotional toll of being separated from his family, and his transformation into a more family-centered person. Now free and fully engaged in new ventures like Giggle Academy and YZI Labs, CZ emphasizes that crypto should become invisible infrastructure—just 'money'—in five years. He remains committed to philanthropy, donating all book proceeds to charity, and advocates for a future where blockchain, AI, and traditional finance converge seamlessly. His message to founders: build relentlessly, value family, and embrace the bear market as a time of opportunity.