One of Wall Street's most recognized technology analysts, Dan Ives, is departing Wedbush Securities after an eight-year tenure to launch a new venture. This development has garnered significant industry attention, not only due to Ives's personal market influence as a prominent bull, but also because the two AI-themed ETFs he spearheaded, with combined assets under management exceeding $1.8 billion, now face a leadership void.
Ives plans to establish what he terms a "modern merchant bank," integrating research, investment banking advisory, capital raising, and investment activities to serve companies and investors navigating the transformation brought by artificial intelligence. He described this next step after 25 years in his career as moving from "a player on the team to a player-owner."
Wedbush has emphasized that the two ETFs bearing Ives's name—the Dan IVES Wedbush AI Revolution ETF (IVES) and the Dan IVES Wedbush AI Power & Infrastructure ETF (IVEP)—will continue to operate normally and will not be disrupted by his departure. IVES was launched in June 2025, built upon Ives's "AI 30" research framework, and currently holds approximately $1.1 billion in net assets. IVEP was introduced this past April, focusing on AI infrastructure and energy sectors.
However, losing Ives's personal brand appeal and frequent media presence presents a significant challenge for Wedbush. It remains to be seen whether the firm can continue to lead the narrative on technology stocks in the absence of this iconic figure. Ives has stated he will continue to track technology stocks as a research analyst while helping to build his new business.
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