Dan Ives Exits Wedbush: The New AI ETF Power Vacuum

Things are certainly changing over at Wedbush headquarters. On Wednesday, July 1, Wedbush announced that Dan Ives — the firm’s Global Head of Technology Research — has left the company to begin a new venture. Key Takeaways: Dan Ives, Global Head of Technology Research at Wedbush, has departed the firm after eight years of employment. Ives’ departure may affect the value proposition of the Dan Ives Webush AI Revolution ETF (IVES C) and the Dan Ives Wedbush AI Power & Infrastructure ETF (IVEP), given how much these funds have leveraged his name and investment philosophy. However, there are plenty of other ETFs on the market that also provide concise AI exposure, for those who are having second thoughts about IVES or IVEP. See More: Looking Beyond SpaceX: 3 Thematic ETFs to Consider “Dan has been an exceptional team member of Wedbush, helping bring our firm valuable prominence and expertise in the technology equity markets,” noted Gary Wedbush, President and CEO of Wedbush. “We are grateful for his eight years of contributions. It’s a natural step for Dan to seize an entrepreneurial opportunity. I wish him success and look forward to future partnerships with his new venture.” Losing Ives will likely be a blow to some of Wedbush’s ETF offerings. These funds have leveraged Ives’ name and expertise. This includes both the Dan Ives Webush AI Revolution ETF (IVES C), which is so intertwined with Ives’ investment philosophy that the fund’s ticker is simply his last name. IVES currently has over $1.1 billion in assets under management, as of July 2, 2026.  See More: Physical AI and Infrastructure: Why the Next Era of Innovation is Moving Beyond the Cloud IVES is not the only fund that Wedbush offers that utilized Dan Ives’ name in its title and investment philosophy. The firm also has the Dan Ives Wedbush AI Power & Infrastructure ETF (IVEP), which focuses on investing in companies positioned to benefit on the AI buildout through grid modernization, electrification, data infrastructure, and more. An Opportunity for the Competition“Ives’ departure is a poster child example of key person risk that can happen with certain ETFs,” added Todd Rosenbluth, Head of Research at VettaFi. “The ETFs were built and marketed around Mr. Ives’ name and expertise. His departure from Wedbush is likely to cause investors to consider other AI related ETFs." See More: SpaceX: The AI IPO Wearing a Spacesuit For those who have trepidation about sticking with IVES or IVEP, there are plenty of other AI focused ETFs. Those available on the market also offer compelling investment approaches. As just one example, there’s the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ B-), which uses its own distinct methodology to provide exposure to AI companies across the globe. Notably, as the chart below shows, THNQ has distinctly outperformed IVES on a year-to-date basis. The AI Opportunity SetOf course, THNQ and IVES are not the only attractive AI ETFs on the market. Investors and advisors could also look to tools like the Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT B) and the Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ A), which each offer their own takes on investing in this highly sought after theme.  Looking down the line, advisors and investors shouldn’t expect the AI theme to dissolve any time soon. Tech giants are continuing to innovate and build out new data centers. Meanwhile, companies of all kinds are leveraging AI adoption to accelerate their growth opportunities. Given this, those who had picked IVES or IVEP may start considering one of many competing AI ETFs.  For more news, information, and analysis, visit the Thematic Investing Content Hub. vettafi.com is owned by VettaFi LLC (“VettaFi”). VettaFi is the index provider for THNQ, for which it receives an index licensing fee. However, THNQ is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, or sold by VettaFi. VettaFi and its affiliates have no obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing, or trading of THNQ.