Ives describes the venture as a "modern merchant bank" that will consolidate equity research, investment banking, and institutional trading under one roof. By merging his established brand and analytical focus with Yorkville’s dealmaking infrastructure, he aims to create a firm that operates with the agility of a startup rather than a traditional Wall Street institution.
Dan Ives pivots from Wedbush to launch AI-focused merchant bank
After eight years of defining tech market sentiment with his trademark optimism and neon wardrobe, Dan Ives is leaving Wedbush Securities. The high-profile analyst is partnering with broker-dealer Yorkville Securities to launch Yorkville Ives, a new merchant bank aiming to disrupt traditional institutional finance through an AI-centric approach.
While the firm is currently operating with a lean team of 10 to 20 employees, its long-term strategy remains fluid. Ives characterized the new entity as a "Swiss Army knife" for public and private companies, though he offered few specifics on concrete operational plans or client acquisition targets. Despite the lack of a detailed roadmap, the firm is leveraging Ives’ significant public profile—bolstered by his 300,000 followers on X and frequent television appearances—to generate early interest. Having previously held advisory and leadership roles in crypto and marketing technology, Ives views this transition as the natural evolution of his career, betting that his synthesis of research and capital can attract both top-tier talent and market share.
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