Interview Questions for Czhang, Head of LBank Labs & LBank Partner

1. Career Journey – Can you share your professional journey and what led you to join LBank Labs as Head and become a Partner at LBank?

I began my career in traditional finance, where I developed expertise in macro strategies and operational execution, eventually becoming Managing Director of a firm I helped turn around and take public within 8 years. This experience taught me the discipline of strategic leadership and long-term thinking.

My transition to crypto came after I discovered Bitcoin in 2017—it challenged everything I knew from traditional markets. That realization led me to fully commit to Web3.

LBank Labs as Head and becoming a Partner at LBank was a natural next step. After meeting Eric He, our shared conviction in the power of decentralization and long-term vision sealed the deal. At LBank Labs, I’m focused on shaping the future of Web3 innovation by supporting founders, spotting early trends, and scaling ideas with real-world impact

2. Vision & Mission – How would you describe the core mission of LBank Labs, and what sets it apart from other blockchain investment arms?

LBank Labs isn’t here to play copycat with other VC funds. Our mission is to find the next big thing, back builders who reshape the game, and deliver value to crypto users. What sets LBank Labs apart is our grind—work hard, stay low-key, and keep our nose to the market’s pulse. We’re crypto geeks and workaholics, obsessed with spotting trends before they’re trends. While others chase hype, we’re out here incubating projects with real legs, like a sniper spotting 100x gems in a sea of noise. That’s our edge: speed, smarts, and staying ahead of the curve.

3. Investment Strategy – When evaluating blockchain startups, what key criteria do you consider before making an investment or incubation decision?

LBank Labs considers three key factors when evaluating blockchain startups. 

• First, we prioritize sustainable revenue models with positive cash flow cycles that go beyond token issuance.

• Second, we seek disruptive technologies in DeFi, real-world assets, or emerging sectors that redefine market dynamics. 

• Third, we assess team execution, ensuring they demonstrate resilience, cohesive dynamics, and regulatory adaptability.

We scrutinize tokenomics and community engagement to confirm long-term viability. To us, investing is about backing projects that survive bear markets and deliver enduring value, not chasing fleeting pumps. We align with Sun Tzu’s principle: “In the midst of chaos, there is opportunity.”

4. Global Ecosystem Building – LBank has a strong international footprint. How does LBank Labs support startups from diverse regions, particularly in emerging markets?

We don’t just drop cash and dip. LBank Labs plays the long game, tailoring support to where a project’s at and where it’s from. Emerging markets like MENA and LatAm are goldmines for innovation—real problems, real solutions. We bring strategic juice: ecosystem connections, marketing muscle, and resources to amplify their strengths. If a startup’s got a killer idea but weak PR, we hook them up with the right megaphone. If they’re in a region with regulatory quirks, we help them navigate the maze. It’s not one-size-fits-all; we adapt, align, and accelerate their growth to fit the local flavor and global stage.

5. Industry Trends – Which blockchain or Web3 trends do you believe will have the most significant impact on the industry over the next three to five years?

The market always flows toward the path of least resistance, and right now, that’s crypto’s moment. 

The Federal Reserve’s September rate cut fuels DeFi’s growth with accessible capital. Bitcoin serves as a national reserve asset to counter the U.S.’s $34 trillion debt crisis. Trade wars and tariffs are positioning crypto as a global financial alternative. Stablecoins, exceeding $265 billion in market cap, dominate cross-border payments. Real-world asset tokenization transforms real estate and securities. AI integration enhances smart contract functionality. These shifts reshape the industry over the next three to five years.

6. Market Volatility – How does LBank Labs maintain a long-term vision for its portfolio despite the crypto market’s volatility?

Crypto’s a rollercoaster, but we don’t puke at the dips. 

LBank Labs adopts a long-term investment approach. We implement robust risk controls, and maintain disciplined valuations to avoid market hype. For LBank Labs, we prefer to select projects with strong fundamentals to withstand bear markets. We follow Warren Buffett’s advice: “Be fearful when others are greedy.” We prioritize cash flow stability and team resilience, and build portfolios to endure crypto’s volatility.

7. Founder Guidance – What common mistakes do you see Web3 founders making, and what advice would you give to help them succeed?

Too many Web3 founders get high on their own supply—building dope tech in a vacuum, thinking it’ll sell itself. The fact is nobody cares about your protocol if you can’t market it. They’re so deep in their code, they forget the world’s not on GitHub.

LBank Labs pushes founders to nail their go-to-market—marketing, community, hype. We don’t just cut checks, we support them with PR strategies, exchange listings, and ecosystem connects. Build something epic, sure, but make sure the world knows it. Otherwise, founders are just shouting into the void.

8. Regulatory Challenges – How does LBank navigate the evolving global regulatory landscape while continuing to foster innovation?

Regulation ain’t a cage; it’s a launchpad. The U.S.’s new crypto bills are proof—clear rules unlock institutional bags and mainstream adoption. LBank’s been playing the compliance game from day one, partnering with heavyweights like CertiK to keep LBank’s defenses ironclad. Meanwhile, LBank doesn't dodge regulators, and LBank works with them to build trust. 

Just align with the principle: “No rules, no game.” LBank fosters innovation while maintaining trust and adaptability.

9. AI and Blockchain Synergy – Do you see AI integration in blockchain projects as a passing trend or a transformative shift? How is LBank Labs approaching this convergence?

AI on blockchain isn’t hype—it’s a paradigm shift. It’s like strapping a rocket to smart contracts, boosting efficiency and unlocking use cases we haven’t even dreamed of.

LBank Labs invests in AI-driven projects focused on vertical applications. We support teams that address specific, measurable needs. We believe AI amplifies blockchain’s potential and drives long-term value.

In addition, LBank is also the first exchange to list Meme + AI tokens, including GOAT, FARTCOIN, AI6Z, etc., which have increased by more than 50 times. LBank excels at identifying and nurturing high-potential projects, offering users access to promising asset opportunities.

10. Future Roadmap – What major initiatives or developments can the Web3 community expect from LBank Labs in the coming year?

LBank Labs is doubling down on steady, no-nonsense investing—$100M fund in play, scouting the next unicorns. We’re linking arms with public chains, high-potential projects, and global ecosystems to share resources and spark growth. Expect LBank Labs to keep fueling Web3’s engine—more incubations, bigger bets on AI and RWAs, and tighter community ties. LBank Labs is not here to hype, it is to build the backbone of crypto’s next chapter. Stay tuned, the glow-up’s gonna be wild.

In case of any discrepancies in translation, the English version shall prevail.