Star Tech Analyst Dan Ives Leaves Wedbush to Build Merchant Bank

Dan Ives, one of the most recognizable technology analysts on Wall Street, is leaving Wedbush Securities to launch an independent venture — a move that signals a broader shift in how influential market voices are seeking to monetize their platforms beyond traditional brokerage research.

Ives, who built a devoted following through his bullish and frequently quoted calls on major technology companies, said the new firm will aim to create what he describes as a "modern merchant bank." The phrase suggests an ambition that goes well beyond issuing price targets and ratings — blending advisory, capital-raising, and possibly principal investment functions under one roof.

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The departure marks the end of a long and high-profile run at Wedbush, where Ives became the firm's most visible public face, regularly appearing on financial television and commanding outsized attention for his takes on companies like Apple, Tesla, and other mega-cap tech names. His exit leaves a notable gap in Wedbush's media presence at a moment when analyst brand identity has never been more commercially valuable.

The concept of a "modern merchant bank" is worth unpacking. Traditional merchant banks historically combined deal-making, direct lending, and investment activity — functions that are distinct from the sell-side research role Ives has occupied. If his new firm follows that model, it would represent a significant career pivot, one that could give him more direct financial participation in the deals and companies he has long opined on publicly.

Whether the venture succeeds will depend largely on whether Ives can convert his media profile and relationship network into a durable business model — a transition that is harder than it appears, even for the most celebrated analysts. Continue reading at US Top News and Analysis.