Star Tech Analyst Dan Ives Leaves Wedbush to Build New Firm
Prolific Wall Street tech analyst Dan Ives is departing Wedbush Securities to launch a new venture he describes as a 'modern merchant bank.'
Dan Ives, one of Wall Street's most recognizable technology analysts, is leaving Wedbush Securities to strike out on his own. The move marks a significant departure for the firm that helped elevate his profile, as Ives became known for his bullish calls on major tech names and his near-ubiquitous presence across financial media.
Ives has described his new venture as a "modern merchant bank," a phrase that signals ambitions beyond traditional equity research. The merchant banking model typically combines advisory services, capital deployment, and deal-making — suggesting Ives intends to leverage his brand and industry relationships into a more transactional business rather than simply producing research notes for institutional clients.
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The timing is notable. Technology stocks have been at the center of investor attention for years, driven by artificial intelligence enthusiasm and the dominance of a handful of mega-cap names. An analyst with Ives' following and access could plausibly attract both corporate clients seeking strategic advice and investors looking for deal flow tied to the tech sector's next wave of growth.
What this means more broadly is a reflection of how Wall Street research has evolved. The traditional sell-side model — analysts producing reports for brokerage clients — has faced pressure from unbundling rules, fee compression, and the rise of independent research. High-profile analysts increasingly find that their personal brand can be monetized more lucratively outside the confines of a large institution.
The full scope of Ives' new firm, including partners, funding, and target clients, has not yet been detailed publicly. Continue reading at US Top News and Analysis.
