In a year-end Q&A, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao highlighted a preference for backing long-term, mission-driven builders with a genuine product passion. He observed that market narratives continuously rotate—from NFTs to prediction markets and eventually stablecoins—yet durable vision and prudent capital allocation remain fundamental.

He cautioned against opportunistic pivots that chase fads, warning that constant direction changes can erode conviction and talent retention. Successful crypto ventures, he said, rely on a disciplined product roadmap, data-driven demand signals, and measured adaptation that strengthens the core mission rather than derails it.

The remarks also reflect diverse entrepreneurial motivations. In crypto, endurance is essential: late nights, high workloads, and robust governance test both resilience and operational discipline. Investors seek teams with sustainable runways and a clear path to value creation amid market volatility.