Wedbush Launches Dan Ives AI ETF (IVES) Tracking Nvidia, Tesla, and 28 Other AI Plays

Artificial intelligence isn’t just reshaping the way we work—it’s redefining the very foundations of global investment. As someone who’s watched this revolution unfold, I’ve seen how AI has leapt from academic labs and tech demos to the center stage of Wall Street. The latest proof? Wedbush Fund Advisers’ launch of the Dan Ives Wedbush AI Revolution ETF (Ticker: IVES), a new exchange-traded fund built to ride the wave of AI’s explosive growth. As of June 13, 2025, this isn’t just another tech fund—it’s a concentrated bet on the future, tracking household names like Nvidia and Tesla alongside 28 other companies driving the AI economy[1][2][3].

The AI Investment Landscape: Why Now?

Let’s face it, AI is everywhere. From chatbots drafting emails to self-driving cars navigating city streets, the technology is infiltrating every sector. But what’s really caught the attention of investors is the sheer scale and speed of this transformation. According to industry analysts, the AI sector is at a critical inflection point. Generative AI and automation are fueling innovation across both enterprise and consumer markets, with adoption rates accelerating at a pace that’s hard to keep up with[2].

The launch of the IVES ETF by Wedbush Fund Advisers is a direct response to investor demand for meaningful, research-backed exposure to this multi-trillion-dollar investment cycle. “We’re incredibly excited to bring Dan Ives’ research on the AI Revolution to life through this ETF,” said Cullen Rogers, Chief Investment Officer of Wedbush Fund Advisers. “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.”[1]

Inside the IVES ETF: Research, Structure, and Strategy

So, what makes this ETF stand out? For starters, it’s not just a random collection of tech stocks. The IVES ETF is built around the proprietary research framework of Dan Ives, a managing director and global head of technology research at Wedbush Securities. His multi-year analysis, dubbed “The AI Revolution Theme,” has identified 30 public companies at the core of the AI spending cycle[1][2].

The ETF tracks the Solactive Wedbush Artificial Intelligence Index, which is designed to capture the transformative potential of companies driving the global AI economy. To be eligible, companies must be included in Dan Ives’ AI Revolution Theme Research Report and meet defined thresholds for market capitalization and trading volume. The index uses a modified market capitalization weighting approach, ensuring diversified and meaningful exposure across the full AI value chain—from cloud infrastructure and semiconductors to software, cybersecurity, and data analytics[2].

Key Features of the IVES ETF

• Research-Driven Selection: Constituents are drawn directly from Dan Ives’ proprietary research, focusing on companies at the forefront of the AI revolution[1].
• Cross-Sector Exposure: The ETF covers a broad spectrum of industries, including semiconductors, hyperscalers, cybersecurity, consumer platforms, robotics, and cloud infrastructure[1][2].
• Balanced Construction: The fund is strategically weighted to reduce concentration risk while maintaining high-conviction thematic exposure[1].
• Future-Focused Positioning: IVES targets companies with both established momentum and long-term potential to lead in enterprise and consumer AI adoption[1].

The AI Ecosystem: Who’s In and Why?

The IVES ETF is designed to capture the full breadth of the AI ecosystem. Household names like Nvidia and Tesla are obvious inclusions—Nvidia for its dominance in AI chips and Tesla for its advancements in autonomous driving and robotics. But the ETF also includes lesser-known players that are critical to the AI value chain.

Here’s a snapshot of the types of companies included:

• Semiconductors: Nvidia, AMD, and others powering AI hardware.
• Hyperscalers: Cloud giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.
• Cybersecurity: Firms protecting AI-driven enterprises.
• Consumer Platforms: Companies integrating AI into everyday products and services.
• Robotics: Innovators automating physical and digital tasks.
• Cloud Infrastructure: Providers enabling scalable AI deployments.

The ETF’s approach is to balance established leaders with emerging disruptors, ensuring investors get exposure to both the current momentum and future growth potential of the AI sector[1][2][3].

The Role of Proprietary Research and Index Design

One of the standout features of the IVES ETF is its reliance on Dan Ives’ proprietary research. Ives is a well-known figure in tech analysis, and his insights have shaped the Solactive Wedbush Artificial Intelligence Index. The index leverages Solactive’s proprietary ARTIS® natural language processing technology to identify U.S.-listed companies that are significant enablers or adopters of AI[2].

The result is a carefully curated list of companies that are not just riding the AI wave, but actively shaping it. This research-driven approach gives the ETF a unique edge in a crowded market, where many funds simply track broad tech indices or rely on outdated methodologies.

The Bigger Picture: AI’s Impact on Industries and the Workforce

The launch of the IVES ETF is more than just a financial product—it’s a reflection of how deeply AI is transforming industries. Dr. Gail Gilboa Freedman, a mathematician and AI expert, sums it up well: “We are on the verge of a profound revolution, the consequences of which are still difficult to grasp.” She notes that AI is already outperforming humans in certain tasks, and the pace of improvement is staggering. “If we imagined a human learning at the same speed, we would find it terrifying.”[4]

This transformation is reshaping the labor market in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Employers are increasingly assigning tasks to AI-powered bots rather than junior employees, and the types of jobs that will be created—or replaced—by AI are still evolving[4]. As an AI watcher, I’m struck by the fact that the real question isn’t just which jobs will be lost, but how new roles and industries will emerge from this disruption.

Real-World Applications and the Future of AI Investment

The companies in the IVES ETF are at the heart of real-world AI applications. Nvidia’s chips are powering everything from data centers to autonomous vehicles. Tesla’s AI-driven cars are redefining transportation. Cloud providers like Microsoft and Amazon are enabling businesses of all sizes to deploy AI at scale. And cybersecurity firms are protecting the digital infrastructure that makes all of this possible.

Looking ahead, the potential for AI to drive further innovation is enormous. From healthcare and finance to manufacturing and entertainment, AI is poised to transform every sector. The IVES ETF is positioned to capture this growth, offering investors a way to participate in the next wave of technological advancement.

Comparing AI ETFs: How Does IVES Stack Up?

With so many AI-themed ETFs on the market, how does IVES differentiate itself? Here’s a quick comparison:

The IVES ETF stands out for its research-driven selection process and focus on the full AI value chain, offering a more targeted and balanced approach than many of its peers[1][2][3].

Challenges and Risks: What Investors Should Consider

No investment is without risk, and the AI sector is no exception. While the potential for growth is enormous, so too are the challenges. Regulatory scrutiny, ethical concerns, and the rapid pace of technological change all pose risks to AI-focused investments.

Investors should also be aware of concentration risk, even though the IVES ETF is designed to mitigate this through strategic weighting. The AI sector is highly competitive, and companies that lead today may not necessarily lead tomorrow. As someone who’s followed AI for years, I’ve seen how quickly the landscape can shift.

The Human Factor: Skills for the AI Era

Interestingly enough, the rise of AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. Dr. Gail Gilboa Freedman emphasizes that curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration will be key skills in the AI era. “The labor market is changing so fundamentally that it’s not just a matter of replacing some jobs with new ones. This is a broader puzzle, one with more capabilities, and within it, both robots and humans will have roles—but we still cannot see the full picture,” she explains[4].

This human element is often overlooked in discussions about AI investing, but it’s crucial. The companies that thrive in the AI revolution will be those that can harness both technological innovation and human ingenuity.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for AI Investing

The launch of the Dan Ives Wedbush AI Revolution ETF marks a new chapter in the story of AI investing. By combining proprietary research, a focus on the full AI value chain, and a balanced approach to risk, the IVES ETF offers investors a unique way to participate in one of the most transformative trends of our time.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that AI will continue to reshape industries, create new opportunities, and challenge our assumptions about work and investment. The IVES ETF is not just a financial product—it’s a bet on the future, and a reflection of the profound changes underway in the global economy.

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