Observed Signal · Jul 1, 2026 · Company Launch · Source: CNBC Investing · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Dan Ives Leaves Wedbush to Launch Merchant Bank
Dan Ives, a high-profile technology analyst who spent eight years at Wedbush Securities and more than 25 years covering tech stocks, is leaving Wedbush to form a new merchant bank. Ives said the firm — to be formally announced in the coming weeks — will combine proprietary research, strategic advisory, capital raising and investing, and will focus on opportunities driven by artificial intelligence across sectors including technology, energy and financials. Ives intends to continue covering technology stocks in a research capacity while building the broader business. The article also notes Ives’ prior roles advising Zeta Global and briefly chairing Eightco Holdings, and references his recent consumer-facing ventures such as a clothing line.
A prominent Wall Street tech analyst is founding a merchant bank focused on AI, which could influence investment advisory activity and deal flow but is primarily a personnel/company-formation story with limited immediate impact on the broader AdTech/MarTech ecosystem.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Dan Ives is leaving his role at Wedbush Securities to launch a new merchant bank.
- Ives spent the past eight years at Wedbush and more than 25 years covering technology stocks.
- The new firm will offer proprietary research, strategic advisory, capital raising and investing across sectors including technology, energy and financials.
- Ives said the firm will be formally announced in the coming weeks and aims to help companies capitalize on AI-driven opportunities.
- While at Wedbush, Ives served on the advisory board of Zeta Global and briefly as chairman of Eightco Holdings.
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