Prolific tech analyst Dan Ives is exiting Wedbush for a new venture

• Ives has over 25 years of experience covering technology stocks and became one of Wall Street's most recognizable analysts through bullish AI calls and frequent media appearances
• The new 'modern merchant bank' will provide proprietary research, strategic advisory services, and investments across technology, energy, and financial sectors
• Ives plans to continue covering technology stocks in a research capacity while building the broader business, with formal announcement expected in coming weeks

Summary: Dan Ives Exits Wedbush to Launch AI-Focused Merchant Bank

Dan Ives, one of Wall Street's most prominent technology analysts, is departing Wedbush Securities after eight years to launch a new merchant bank. With over 25 years of experience covering technology stocks, Ives plans to create what he describes as a "modern merchant bank" that combines research, advisory services, capital raising, and investing under one organization.

Key Details:

• The new firm will focus on helping companies and investors capitalize on opportunities created by artificial intelligence and other structural economic shifts
• Services will include proprietary research, strategic advisory, capital raising, and investments across technology, energy, and financial sectors
• Ives intends to continue covering technology stocks while building the broader business
• Formal announcement expected in coming weeks
• The firm aims to recruit talent from across Wall Street

Significance:

This represents an unusual career pivot for a high-profile sell-side analyst. Ives has been known for his bullish calls on AI beneficiaries, energetic media appearances, and distinctive colorful jackets, making him one of the most recognizable faces in tech analysis.

During his tenure at Wedbush, Ives held uncommon roles for sell-side analysts, including serving on Zeta Global's advisory board and briefly as chairman of Eightco Holdings, where he was involved with Worldcoin, the digital token associated with Sam Altman's identity venture.

Ives characterized the move as a culmination of his career, stating the firm will position itself at the center of AI-driven industry transformation, identifying emerging opportunities in the ongoing AI revolution.