Star analyst Dan Ives forms Yorkville Ives merchant bank after leaving Wedbush

• Yorkville Ives will offer debt and equity capital raising, M&A advisory, institutional trading, independent equity research, and plans to invest its own capital alongside clients
• Ives built a large following during his 25+ years covering technology stocks with bullish views on AI and major tech companies, and took on uncommon roles at Wedbush including advisory board positions
• The launch targets growing demand for AI-related financing and advisory work as companies raise capital for data centers, computing infrastructure, and technology investments

Summary: Dan Ives Launches Yorkville Ives Merchant Bank

Key Development:

Prominent Wall Street technology analyst Dan Ives has departed Wedbush Securities after eight years to launch Yorkville Ives & Co., a new merchant banking firm in partnership with Yorkville Securities. The announcement was made Tuesday.

Firm Structure and Focus:

Yorkville Ives & Co. will integrate multiple financial services including investment banking, equity research, institutional trading, and principal investing under one platform. The firm will concentrate on five key sectors: artificial intelligence, technology, industrials, energy transition, and infrastructure. Ives will serve as partner and senior managing director, while Roger Briggs assumes the CEO role.

Service Offerings:

• Debt and equity capital raising in public and private markets
• Strategic M&A advisory and capital structure consulting
• Institutional trading and execution services
• Independent equity research
• Direct capital investment alongside clients and partners

Market Context:

The launch capitalizes on surging demand for AI-related financing and advisory services as companies seek funding for data centers, computing infrastructure, and technology investments. Ives characterized this as the "fourth industrial revolution" requiring a "modern merchant bank" approach.

Background:

Ives built a substantial following over 25+ years covering technology stocks, known for his bullish stance on AI and major tech companies, as well as his outspoken style. During his Wedbush tenure, he held unconventional roles for a sell-side analyst, including serving on Zeta Global's advisory board and briefly as chairman of Eightco Holdings, which involved Sam Altman's identity venture, World.

The move represents a significant shift in how Wall Street analysts can directly participate in the sectors they cover.