Key facts
- Dan Ives has departed Wedbush Securities after eight years.
- He is launching a new merchant bank.
- The merchant bank will focus on technology, energy, infrastructure, and financials.
- Ives was known for his colorful personal style and prominent stock calls.
- He previously highlighted Apple's services growth, Microsoft's AI potential, and Nvidia's AI chip demand.
Dan Ives, a prominent and media-savvy tech analyst known for his distinctive personal style and bold market calls, is departing Wedbush Securities after an eight-year tenure. Ives announced his departure via email on Wednesday, stating his intention to launch his own merchant bank. This new venture is set to concentrate on sectors including technology, energy, infrastructure, and financials.
During his time at Wedbush, Ives gained recognition for several key market insights. Between 2016 and 2018, he emphasized Apple's transformation beyond hardware, highlighting the growing value of its app store and services, which have since become a significant contributor to the company's valuation. Following the release of ChatGPT in November 2022, Ives identified Microsoft as a primary beneficiary of enterprise AI adoption, citing its integration of AI into services like Office and Copilot, and its Azure infrastructure investments. He also accurately predicted Nvidia's dominance in AI infrastructure, arguing that its chips would be essential for companies building AI capabilities, a thesis that has been validated by substantial hyperscaler commitments to AI infrastructure.
Ives is also remembered for his unique fashion sense, often featuring colorful suits and matching accessories. One notable outfit included a coral pink baseball cap and sports jacket paired with baby-pink pants and shoes, worn when he rang the Opening Bell for Eightco Holdings Inc. (ticker: $ORBS) at the Nasdaq in September. He had chaired the board of Eightco Holdings until March. In August, Ives collaborated with Brooklyn-based upcycled streetwear label Snow Milk to launch a clothing brand reflecting his personal style. Another memorable look involved a neon printed blazer worn over a green hoodie, paired with multicolored sneakers, at an Orbs event in October.