Blockchain security leader CertiK has entered a strategic partnership with investment platform YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs) to bolster the security of early-stage Web3 startups. The collaboration centers on YZi Labs' EASY Residency incubation program, a global initiative supporting companies in Web3, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.
The cornerstone of the alliance is a dedicated $1 million audit grant from CertiK, which will fund smart contract audits and security services for all qualifying program participants. In addition to audits, startups will gain access to CertiK's Skynet Boosting and AI-powered code-scanning tools for continuous monitoring. YZi Labs will facilitate direct engagement between its incubated founders and CertiK to ensure security is integrated from the outset of development.
Ella Zhang, Head of YZi Labs, explained the rationale, stating, "Security is the foundation of long-term success, but for early-stage founders, it’s often a high-stakes distraction while they are still chasing Product-Market Fit. Think of it like building a skyscraper: founders should focus on the architecture and the vision, while CertiK acts as the structural engineers, ensuring the frame is earthquake-proof."
Professor Ronghui Gu, Co-Founder and CEO of CertiK, emphasized the broader ecosystem impact: "We believe that our collaboration with YZi Labs will significantly improve the security level of projects, providing necessary guarantees for their long-term development. This is not only related to the growth of projects but also to the health and sustainability of the entire Web3 ecosystem."
The partnership signals a significant shift in Web3 incubation philosophy, moving from a "build fast" mentality to one that prioritizes robust security as foundational infrastructure. By addressing a critical pain point—the high cost and time pressure that often leads startups to delay or skip audits—the program aims to reduce the systemic risk of exploits and build greater trust in the market. This model could set a new standard for startup readiness, influencing how future incubators and accelerators operate.
