Inside a car moving smoothly along the scenic roads of California, the vehicle gleamed like a vision of luxury. It was a Rolls-Royce — not just any model, but the Phantom, a true masterpiece. The car was so stunning that even in Los Angeles, where the streets were teeming with an endless parade of high-end supercars, million-dollar hypercars, and celebrity-owned vehicles, this Rolls still managed to catch the eye of passersby. In a city desensitized by the constant presence of multimillion-dollar machines, the sleek, blacked-out Phantom drew stares wherever it went. There was something about its understated elegance, its imposing presence, that made even the most jaded LA residents pause and take notice.
It wasn't just the exterior that commanded attention — the interior was the true spectacle. A combination of hand-stitched leather seats, exotic wood veneers, and golden accents created a space that screamed wealth. Yet, as opulent as the vehicle appeared, it was the occupant inside that truly made this moment remarkable.
Bill had been expecting a high-ranking executive from one of the companies he was about to negotiate with. Given the scale of the deal, he anticipated someone powerful, someone with the authority to make decisions. But what he didn't know — what he couldn't possibly have expected — was the man sitting in the back of that Rolls-Royce.
The person with him was not merely an executive, but the CEO of Binance — Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as CZ, one of the most influential figures in the global financial and tech world.
CZ, the Chinese-born, Canadian-raised, Dubai-based visionary behind Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, was a man who had achieved what most could only dream of. He had risen from humble beginnings to become a billionaire, not just in financial terms but in influence. His company had redefined the very nature of digital currency and blockchain technology, and now he was sitting in a high-end car, on his way to meet with Bill, a man who had no idea just how extraordinary his guest truly was.
"Sir, we'll be there in five minutes," came the soft, measured voice of CZ's assistant, who sat beside him in the car. As the assistant spoke, CZ smiled — a faint, knowing smile. He nodded, signaling that he had heard her. With an air of calm confidence, he picked up a grape from the bowl at his side and popped it into his mouth, savoring the taste.
For a moment, it seemed like he was simply a man enjoying a quiet moment before what was to come. But there was more to Changpeng Zhao than anyone could truly grasp.
He was a man living the dream. Born in China, CZ grew up in a world vastly different from the one he would come to dominate. His father, a mathematician and computer scientist, was exiled during the Cultural Revolution, and the family was forced to leave their home and start over in Canada. It was a rough start for the young CZ, but like so many entrepreneurs, he turned adversity into opportunity. The Zhao family rebuilt their lives, and as a child, CZ was exposed to a world of math and computers early on, following in his father's intellectual footsteps.
Yet, unlike his father, who found contentment as an academic, CZ knew he wasn't destined to be a glorified teacher. He had bigger dreams, grander visions.
As a student, he excelled in computer science, the field that was burgeoning with opportunities in the late 1990s. But even with a promising academic future, CZ had his eyes set on more than just a steady paycheck from a university. He wanted to make it big — to be part of something game-changing. And so, after his graduation, he sought out a job at Fusion Systems, a financial technology company. It was a great job, paying well enough to clear his student loans and live comfortably. But comfort was never enough for CZ.
He quickly moved on, hopping from one high-paying job to another, gaining invaluable experience along the way. He honed his skills in finance, technology, and business — building a resume that, in time, would rival some of the most powerful figures in the world.
But it was in 2013, when CZ stumbled across Bitcoin, that everything changed. At the time, Bitcoin was still an obscure digital currency, trading at just $13 per coin. Fascinated by its potential, CZ didn't hesitate. He poured a significant portion of his savings into buying up to 10,000 bitcoins for just $130,000 — a sum that, at the time, felt like a substantial risk. But to him, it wasn't about the money; it was about the technology — the blockchain — the idea that this decentralized digital currency could change the world.
His fascination with Bitcoin wasn't about being swept up in the hype of its speculative value. CZ saw something more — the underlying infrastructure of the financial system was changing before his eyes, and he wanted to be part of that revolution. He was captivated by the way Bitcoin worked, the way it could be decentralized and secure, without relying on traditional financial intermediaries. He saw potential in the blockchain that others didn't. It was like discovering the DNA of a future financial system that could disrupt the very foundations of global banking.
So, in a bold, career-defining move, he quit his job at Fusion Systems, leaving behind the security of a high-paying role and a promising career. His wife at the time wasn't thrilled by the decision, but for CZ, it was a leap he had to take. He knew that this wasn't just a trend — this was the future.
And within months, his decision paid off.
By the end of 2013, Bitcoin had skyrocketed from $13 to $1,000 per coin. CZ's $130,000 investment had turned into a staggering $10 million.
He wasn't just rich anymore — he was very rich.
But for CZ, that wasn't enough—not even close.
Having tasted wealth and witnessed firsthand the explosive power of Bitcoin, CZ wasn't just satisfied with being rich. No, he was hungry for something far greater. He had spent months obsessively studying blockchain technology, unraveling the mysteries of the decentralized financial world, and understanding the vast potential it held. Every late-night paper he read, every conversation with cryptographers, and every whitepaper he dissected had only confirmed one thing—he could build something much, much bigger. He knew it. And he would prove it.
In early 2017, he did just that.
Armed with his newfound knowledge, his technical genius, and most importantly, the millions he had already made from Bitcoin's meteoric rise, CZ launched his own company. Not just any company—Binance, a name that would soon become synonymous with crypto trading. With a handpicked team of fellow visionaries and engineers he'd met during his blockchain deep dive, CZ established the firm from the ground up, pouring the majority of his savings into the venture. He wasn't just a founder—he owned a staggering 90% of the company. A bold, risky move. But CZ didn't come to play it safe.
And then came the second power play.
In a daring move that would have scared off even seasoned investors, CZ launched Binance's own cryptocurrency—BNB (Binance Coin). It was a gamble, a big one. But it was also the turning point.
The moment BNB hit the market, it exploded. The coin surged, Binance gained traction at light speed, and CZ watched the numbers on his portfolio go from impressive… to astronomical.
First came the billion. Then the second. The third. The fourth. Each milestone blurring faster into the next. CZ didn't just step into the world of the ultra-rich—he obliterated every conventional level of wealth.
There's rich—the kind of rich where you don't worry about the bill at Nobu.
Then there's very rich—private jets, villas in Monaco, and custom suits tailored in Milan.
Then there's wealthy—where you stop thinking in dollars and start thinking in equity, assets, and markets.
And then there's CZ-rich—the kind of wealth where you don't follow the money, because the money follows you.
By this point, CZ's life had completely transformed. He had it all—the fortune, the freedom, the future. He even found someone new to share that life with: a fellow Binance co-founder, a woman he now publicly referred to as his "life partner." His first wife, the woman who had once sat beside him through simpler days and simpler dreams, didn't say much. She remained, accepting her place as the only legal wife, but no longer the only woman in CZ's new chapter.
And so, CZ lived the life many could only dream of—one he had built from scratch, with every sacrifice and risk paying off spectacularly.
By 2022, he had reached the summit.
Cryptocurrency had gone mainstream. Binance had become the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world by trading volume. Its dominance was unrivaled. And CZ? He had become one of the most influential and powerful figures in global finance.
At that very moment, he was ranked as the 11th richest man on Earth, and in real-time wealth rankings, he soared to 8th, with a staggering net worth of $96.9 billion. Richer than the creators of Google. Richer than India's titan Mukesh Ambani. He had become a king in a digital empire.
But that wasn't even the most impressive part.
Unlike many of his billionaire peers whose fortunes were tied up in stocks, real estate, and slow-moving institutional assets, CZ could boast something none of them could: he was the most liquid billionaire in the world. His crypto holdings gave him flexibility, speed, and dominance. If wealth were a weapon, CZ had a nuke.
But CZ wasn't done. He wasn't content with sitting pretty at the top of the mountain. Because in his mind, he wasn't at the top yet. He wanted more.
No—he wanted everything.
At just 45 years old, CZ was still relatively young, especially for a man of his wealth and influence. And with Binance ruling the crypto world, CZ had his eyes on one goal: becoming the richest man alive.
He believed it was possible. Scratch that—he knew it was possible. With his experience, his capital, his market, and his ambition, there was only one thing standing between him and that number one spot: expansion.
Yes, Binance was on top. But CZ knew something most people didn't want to admit.
Binance had never cracked the two largest markets in the world: the United States and China.
Despite all his billions, CZ's empire was banned in both.
Let that sink in.
He had built a $96 billion empire—and he hadn't even touched the American or Chinese markets.
But that's exactly what excited him. Because in his eyes, the real game was only just beginning. If he could just break into even one of those two behemoths, his net worth wouldn't just rise—it would double. Maybe triple.
He'd tried both. For years, CZ had strategized, planned, maneuvered. But China was proving too difficult, too regulated, too tight. And so, with the precision of a chess master, he turned his focus entirely on the United States.
Why America?
Because despite its regulations and oversight, the U.S. was still a capitalist haven. The government was tough, sure—but it wasn't as draconian as China's. More importantly, the purchasing power of the American consumer was unmatched. The market size, the infrastructure, the media—everything pointed to America being the true promised land for a company like Binance.
So, he began to plan. Not just cautiously, but surgically. How could he infiltrate? How could he break through without raising regulatory alarms?
That's when fate gave him a sign—in the most unexpected form.
One evening, his daughter from his legal wife had approached him in the study, excitement lighting up her face. She wanted to borrow his private jet. CZ, curious, raised an eyebrow. His daughter hated travel. Hated crowds. Hated events. But this time was different.
She wanted to fly to America. For a concert.
"A concert?" he asked.
"Yes," she said, eyes glowing. "Ethan Jones is performing. He's going on tour. I have to see him live!"
CZ, amused, told her to go ahead. But when she left, something stuck with him.
Who was this Ethan Jones?
What pop star had managed to turn his daughter—his daughter, a girl who had access to everything in the world—into a wide-eyed, travel-ready fan? That night, CZ dug deeper.
He pulled up videos, articles, interviews.
And then he saw it.
Millions of screaming fans.
Global hype.
Sold-out arenas.
Merchandise flying off shelves.
Streaming numbers climbing daily.
A youth audience absolutely obsessed.
Ethan Jones wasn't just another pop act. He was the pop act. A sensation. A cultural phenomenon.
And in that moment, CZ's eyes widened.
A plan hatched.
A way in.
This was his path into America.
He could use this.
As CZ sat back, his mind raced with possibilities. He could see it all unfolding before him: Binance, the global crypto powerhouse, finally breaking into the U.S. market. The dream that had been in the back of his mind for years was now within reach, and it all hinged on one thing—Ethan Jones.
The moment his daughter mentioned Ethan, a rising star with millions of young, devoted fans, CZ saw the perfect opportunity. Ethan wasn't just another pop sensation; he was a cultural icon, a trailblazer with a fan base that spanned across continents, especially in the U.S. His youth appeal, combined with his astronomical rise in the music industry, was exactly what Binance needed to gain the kind of exposure that would catapult them into the American market.
CZ had already devised a master plan. Brand exposure would be the first step. Picture this: Binance's logo emblazoned on banners at Ethan's concerts, appearing on massive screens at sold-out stadiums, and proudly displayed on exclusive concert merchandise. Fans, particularly the younger, tech-savvy crowd, would see Binance tied to a superstar they already loved and admired. It wasn't just about the logo—it was about brand prestige. And with it, curiosity would be sparked.
Next, NFTs and Web3 integration would play a key role in this strategy. Binance could create exclusive digital collectibles tied to Ethan's U.S. concerts—NFTs that offered fans digital memorabilia, backstage passes, or even unique, limited-edition artwork. Even fans who weren't familiar with Binance's exchange could engage with the platform through these accessible collectibles, which would serve as a gateway into the world of crypto.
Alongside this, Binance could dive into the e-commerce scene by collaborating with Ethan's team to launch limited-edition merchandise. These items wouldn't just be ordinary concert gear. No, these would come with Web3 perks: proof of NFT ownership, virtual meet-and-greets, digital collectibles, all seamlessly integrating the future of crypto and digital ownership. Fans could buy these items through third-party platforms, widening the reach without even having to access Binance's main exchange.
But CZ wasn't just focused on exposure—he was also keen on traffic redirection. Fans from all over the world who didn't have access to Binance's global platform could be steered toward Binance.US, a platform that operated within the boundaries of U.S. regulations. This would increase awareness and offer a direct path for U.S. users to dip their toes into the crypto waters, without any complex legal hurdles in their way.
Perhaps most importantly, cultural association was at the heart of his plan. Even if Binance couldn't be immediately active in the U.S., being associated with Ethan's mega-successful U.S. tour would solidify Binance's position as a forward-thinking, culturally relevant brand. In the ever-changing landscape of crypto, staying on top of trends and aligning with the right cultural moments could shift perceptions and establish Binance as a dominant player.
The final piece of the puzzle was investor confidence. Big moves like these—partnering with a global superstar, aligning with major cultural moments, and reaching untapped markets—would signal to investors that Binance wasn't just another crypto exchange. It would show that Binance was an evolving force, one that could integrate seamlessly into the future of the digital economy, attracting even more investment and bolstering long-term growth.
CZ knew that the fanbase he was targeting perfectly aligned with Binance's core demographic: young, digital-native, and online. The future of crypto, he believed, depended on cultural relevance. And music—especially pop culture—was one of the fastest tracks to crypto adoption.
He wasn't done yet. He had a vision. As he planned the next steps, he realized that the way forward was clearer than ever. The next chapter for Binance was about entering the U.S., establishing a foothold, and securing its future as the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange.
As he gazed out the window, his assistant's voice broke through the quiet hum of anticipation: "We're here, sir."
CZ's eyes shifted, a grin curling at the corner of his mouth as he saw the small, modest building ahead. A sign hung above the door, reading: Bill's Agency. The final piece of the puzzle. The start of his U.S. campaign.
This was it. His moment. He could feel the weight of the ambition he carried, the stakes higher than ever. The game was changing, and CZ was ready. His hunger for success had reached new heights, and he would stop at nothing to claim the number one spot.
It was time to execute.