Wall Street Tech Analyst Dan Ives Exits Wedbush to Launch AI-Focused Merchant Bank

Key Takeaways

• Dan Ives has departed Wedbush Securities following an eight-year stint to establish his own merchant bank
• The new firm will integrate research analysis, advisory services, capital fundraising, and direct investment capabilities
• Artificial intelligence and its ripple effects across technology, energy, and financial sectors will be the primary focus
• One day prior to announcing his exit, Ives published SpaceX coverage with an Outperform rating
• Wedbush has yet to announce who will succeed Ives in his role

Dan Ives, among Wall Street’s most prominent voices covering the technology sector, has concluded his tenure at Wedbush Securities. His eight-year run at the firm caps off more than two and a half decades analyzing technology equities.

Ives revealed plans to establish what he characterizes as a “modern merchant bank.” The new entity will consolidate research capabilities, strategic consulting, fundraising assistance, and direct investments into a single platform.

The venture will center on artificial intelligence and the transformative disruptions it’s generating throughout various industries. Primary sectors of interest encompass technology, energy infrastructure, and financial services.

In an interview with CNBC, Ives indicated he’ll maintain his technology equity coverage through research publications while simultaneously developing the firm’s additional business lines. A formal announcement regarding the new company is anticipated within weeks.

He revealed plans to assemble a team of professionals from across Wall Street. Ives has built a reputation for optimistic forecasts regarding AI-related enterprises and maintains a strong presence on business news networks.

Wedbush Securities acknowledged the separation in a Wednesday statement. CEO Gary Wedbush characterized the move as “a natural step for Dan to seize an entrepreneurial opportunity.”

Ives informed Wedbush of his decision on Wednesday. That same day marked his final day with the organization.

SpaceX Report Published Day Before Departure Announcement

Just 24 hours before informing Wedbush of his exit, Ives published his inaugural coverage of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, assigning the company an Outperform rating. A CNBC journalist questioned him directly regarding the sequence of events.

Ives has maintained various positions beyond his primary analyst duties. Barron’s reported in January that he served as an adviser to Zeta Global Holdings, a publicly listed marketing technology firm, while also chairing another technology company.

These external engagements weren’t consistently disclosed in his research publications during that period, prompting concerns from industry observers regarding possible conflicts of interest. Following the Barron’s exposé, Ives started incorporating disclosure statements in his social media content.

Previous Positions and Board Transitions

In March, Ives resigned from his chairman position at Eightco Holdings, a digital assets enterprise whose stock was valued at 71 cents per share. Cryptocurrency investor Tom Lee assumed a board seat to replace him.

Ives previously represented Wedbush in two of the firm’s exchange-traded funds. Last year, he also ventured into retail by introducing his own apparel brand.

Wedbush has not disclosed who will assume Ives’s responsibilities. The firm described the transition as a catalyst for “the next phase of growth” within its technology research division and investment banking operations.

The post Wall Street Tech Analyst Dan Ives Exits Wedbush to Launch AI-Focused Merchant Bank appeared first on Blockonomi.