Binance co-founders used 'Homer' and 'Marge' Simpsons aliases in company meetings
Binance co-founders adopted Simpsons aliases for internal communications
Changpeng "CZ" Zhao and Yi He, the co-founders of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, used the aliases "Homer" and "Marge" from the animated series *The Simpsons* during company meetings and internal chats. The playful nicknames were a nod to the exchange’s branding, which features a yellow color scheme similar to the cartoon characters.
Yi He, who now serves as co-CEO of Binance alongside Richard Teng, continues to use the name "Marge" in meetings and chats, according to a former colleague. CZ, who stepped down as CEO in November 2023, previously used the alias "Homer."
How the aliases were used
The aliases were not just for fun—they also reflected how deeply involved both founders were in the company’s operations. A person familiar with the matter said CZ and Yi He were "omnipresent lurkers" across Binance’s ecosystem, including meetings for BNB Chain and subsidiaries like CoinMarketCap.
The revelation was first reported by Chinese tech news site HKET, with screenshots showing Yi using the name "Marge" in meetings. A person close to CZ confirmed he used the alias "Homer."
Key details about the founders
- CZ and Yi He met in 2014 while working at OKCoin (now OKX), where Yi recruited CZ as chief technical officer.
- The two co-founded Binance in 2017 and have been romantically involved for years.
- CZ resigned as Binance CEO in November 2023 after pleading guilty to violating U.S. financial laws. He served four months in prison and received a presidential pardon in October 2025.
- Yi He previously served as Binance’s chief marketing officer and later became head of YZi Labs, a venture capital firm linked to Binance.
Meme coins inspired by the aliases
The crypto community quickly capitalized on the news, creating meme coins based on the "Homer" and "Marge" aliases. These tokens, often speculative assets tied to internet trends, emerged shortly after the aliases were revealed.
What is confirmed
- CZ and Yi He used the aliases "Homer" and "Marge" in Binance meetings and internal communications.
- Yi He continues to use the name "Marge" in her role as co-CEO.
- The aliases were inspired by *The Simpsons* and Binance’s yellow branding.
- Meme coins were created in response to the news.
What remains unclear
- Neither Binance nor CZ’s representatives have commented on the aliases.
- It is not known how long the aliases have been in use or if other Binance executives adopted similar nicknames.
Why this matters
The use of playful aliases highlights the informal and creative culture within Binance, even as the company has grown into a major player in the crypto industry. The aliases also underscore the founders’ hands-on involvement in the company’s operations, despite their high-profile roles.
