Tech analyst Dan Ives is leaving Wedbush to launch a new venture. Ives, who has spent the past eight years at Wedbush and more than 25 years covering technology stocks, said the new firm will aim to build what he described as a "modern merchant bank" focused on helping companies and investors capitalize on opportunities created by artificial intelligence and other structural shifts across the economy.
"It's been a phenomenal eight years at Wedbush," Ives said. "But in looking at the next opportunity, it's to create a modern merchant bank with great partners, long-term capital, and something I think will change the way Wall Street looks at investment banks."
The firm, which Ives said will be formally announced in the coming weeks, plans to provide proprietary research, strategic advisory services, capital raising, and investments across sectors including technology, energy, and financials. Ives said he also intends to continue covering technology stocks in a research capacity while helping build the broader business.
This move marks an unusual career pivot for one of the sell-side's highest-profile analysts, whose bullish calls on AI beneficiaries and energetic television appearances have made him a familiar face to investors.
