Best ETF for AI Investing in 2025: Dan Ives Wedbush's Game-Changer
If you’ve been watching the tech sector in 2025, you’ve probably noticed something: AI is back—and it’s bigger than ever. After a rocky start to the year for some of the biggest names in artificial intelligence, stocks like Nvidia and Tesla have roared back, each up about 20% in the past few weeks alone[2]. Investors are looking for ways to ride this wave, but with so much volatility, how do you get in without betting the house on a single company?
Enter the Dan Ives Wedbush AI Revolution ETF (ticker: IVES), launched just this month by Wedbush Fund Advisers[1][3]. This isn’t just another AI-themed fund. It’s built on the proprietary research of Dan Ives, a Wall Street heavyweight and Managing Director at Wedbush Securities, who’s become something of a celebrity analyst thanks to his spot-on calls on tech stocks—especially Nvidia[2][3]. As someone who’s followed AI for years, I can tell you: this ETF feels different.
Why Now? The AI Investment Boom
The timing couldn’t be better. Companies across sectors—semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, robotics, and consumer platforms—are pouring trillions into AI. The transformation isn’t just happening in Silicon Valley; it’s global. From factories in Germany to data centers in Singapore, AI is becoming the backbone of modern industry[3].
And let’s face it, the market has been hungry for a fund that offers diversified exposure to this revolution. The IVES ETF is designed to capture the full spectrum of companies driving AI’s infrastructure and deployment, not just the usual suspects like Nvidia and Microsoft. The fund’s selection is based on Ives’ multi-year analysis, identifying 30 public companies at the core of the AI spending cycle[3].
Inside the IVES ETF: What Makes It Stand Out?
- Research-Driven Selection: Every company in the ETF is handpicked from Ives’ “AI Revolution Theme” research, ensuring a high-conviction, future-focused portfolio[3].
- Cross-Sector Exposure: The fund covers semiconductors, hyperscalers, cybersecurity, consumer platforms, robotics, and cloud infrastructure. This broad approach reduces risk and taps into multiple growth engines[3].
- Balanced Construction: Unlike some thematic ETFs that are top-heavy with a few big names, IVES is strategically weighted to avoid concentration risk while keeping exposure to the most promising companies[3].
- Future-Focused Positioning: The fund targets companies with both established momentum and long-term potential to lead enterprise and consumer AI adoption[3].
Cullen Rogers, Chief Investment Officer of Wedbush Fund Advisers, puts it this way: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Dan Ives’ research on the AI Revolution to life through this ETF. It’s a response to what investors have been asking for—direct, meaningful exposure to the companies powering the next major economic transformation: artificial intelligence.”[3]
AI ETFs: How Does IVES Stack Up?
With so many AI-focused ETFs out there, how does IVES compare? Let’s break it down.
ETF Name | Ticker | Key Focus Areas | Notable Holdings/Features | Launch Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dan Ives Wedbush AI Revolution | IVES | Infrastructure, deployment, all sectors | 30 companies, research-driven, balanced | May 29, 2025 |
Global X Robotics & AI | BOTZ | Robotics, AI applications | Nvidia, Intuitive Surgical, SoundHound | 2016 |
ARK Autonomous Tech & Robotics | ARKQ | Robotics, automation, AI | Tesla, UiPath, Trimble | 2014 |
As you can see, IVES is unique in its research-driven approach and broad sector coverage. It’s not just about robots or chips—it’s about the entire AI ecosystem[3][5].
Real-World Impact: Where Is AI Headed Next?
AI is already changing how we live and work. In healthcare, AI-powered diagnostics are catching diseases earlier. In manufacturing, robots are making factories smarter and safer. In finance, algorithms are detecting fraud in real time. The IVES ETF is positioned to capture these trends and more.
By the way, if you’re wondering about the actual companies in the fund, Wedbush hasn’t disclosed the full list yet. But given Ives’ track record, it’s a safe bet that Nvidia, Microsoft, and other AI leaders will be included. The real magic, though, is in the mix—the fund’s balanced approach means you’re not just betting on one horse[3].
Historical Context: The Rise of AI Investing
AI investing isn’t new. Funds like BOTZ and ARKQ have been around for nearly a decade, but the market has matured. Early investors focused on robotics and automation. Today, it’s about infrastructure, software, and real-world applications[5].
The IVES ETF is the next evolution: a fund built for the era of enterprise AI, where companies are investing billions to stay ahead. As someone who’s followed this space for years, I’m thinking that this could be the first fund to truly capture the breadth of the AI revolution.
Different Perspectives: Risks and Rewards
Not everyone is sold on AI ETFs. Some investors worry about volatility and hype. Others point out that many AI funds are heavily weighted toward a handful of stocks, which can be risky. The IVES ETF addresses these concerns with its balanced, research-driven approach[3].
But let’s be honest: no investment is risk-free. AI is a fast-moving field, and even the best research can’t predict every twist and turn. That said, for investors who believe in the long-term potential of AI, the IVES ETF offers a compelling way to get exposure without putting all your eggs in one basket.
Future Implications: What’s Next for AI Investing?
Looking ahead, the AI revolution is just getting started. Analysts predict that global AI spending will continue to grow, with trillions of dollars at stake. The IVES ETF is well-positioned to benefit from this trend, thanks to its focus on both established leaders and emerging innovators[3].
And here’s a thought: as AI becomes more embedded in everyday life, the companies driving this transformation will become the blue chips of tomorrow. The IVES ETF could be your ticket to owning a piece of that future.
Conclusion: Is This the Best Way to Invest in AI?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the Dan Ives Wedbush AI Revolution ETF is a serious contender. With its research-driven approach, broad sector coverage, and focus on long-term growth, it’s a standout in a crowded field. For investors looking to ride the AI wave, IVES offers a balanced, future-focused way to do it.
As Cullen Rogers puts it, “It’s a response to what investors have been asking for—direct, meaningful exposure to the companies powering the next major economic transformation: artificial intelligence.”[3] If you’re ready to bet on the future, this ETF might just be your best move.
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