ARK Invest
ARK Invest is a US investment manager best known for its actively managed, innovation-focused ETFs, especially the ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK).
Last updated October 30, 2026
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Overview
ARK Invest (formally ARK Investment Management LLC) is a US-based investment management firm founded in 2014 by Cathie Wood. The firm is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, after relocating from New York, and it built its reputation on a research-driven, thematic approach to investing in what it calls disruptive innovation. Rather than tracking broad indices, ARK runs actively managed portfolios concentrated in companies it believes are transforming industries through technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous mobility, genomics, fintech, blockchain and energy storage. ARK's public profile rests mainly on its family of exchange-traded funds, which are distributed in the United States and, through a UCITS range, internationally. The flagship ARK Innovation ETF (ticker ARKK) became one of the most closely followed actively managed ETFs in the world, particularly during the growth-stock boom of 2020 and the subsequent drawdown. Other well-known funds include ARK Genomic Revolution, ARK Next Generation Internet, ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics, ARK Space Exploration & Innovation, and ARK Fintech Innovation. The firm also offers model portfolios and institutional strategies. ARK is privately held and independent, with no parent company; it is associated with its founder's name and public persona. Cathie Wood serves as CEO and Chief Investment Officer and is the firm's most visible spokesperson, frequently publishing open research, newsletters and price targets. ARK's open-research philosophy — sharing models and research publicly — is a distinctive part of its brand identity. ARK's positioning is as a high-conviction, long-horizon innovation investor willing to accept volatility in exchange for exposure to exponential-growth themes. That positioning has attracted both devoted retail followings and criticism over concentration, valuation and performance swings. The firm remains an active, independent asset manager with a global investor base.
History
ARK Invest was founded in 2014 by Cathie Wood, a long-time asset manager who had previously worked at AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein's thematic funds before leaving to build an independent firm dedicated to disruptive innovation. The name ARK was chosen to evoke the idea of preserving and carrying forward transformative technologies. In its early years ARK operated as a boutique research house and asset manager, but its public profile grew sharply with the launch and expansion of its actively managed ETFs. The ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) became the firm's flagship and, during the 2020 market cycle, attracted large inflows and intense media attention as growth and innovation stocks rallied. ARK's open-research model — publishing models, research notes and price targets — helped it build a large retail following. The subsequent period brought significant volatility: ARKK and related funds experienced steep drawdowns as higher interest rates pressured long-duration growth stocks, and the firm faced criticism over concentration and performance. ARK responded by continuing to publish research, adjusting portfolios, and expanding its product range into areas such as space exploration and fintech. The firm also relocated its headquarters from New York to St. Petersburg, Florida. ARK remains an independent, privately held investment manager, with Cathie Wood as its public face, and continues to market its thematic ETFs and strategies to US and international investors.
- 2021
ARK's funds experience sharp drawdowns as growth valuations compress.
- 2021
ARK relocates its headquarters from New York to St. Petersburg, Florida.
- 2020
ARKK and ARK's innovation funds attract large inflows during the growth-stock rally.
- 2014
ARK Invest founded by Cathie Wood.
- 2014
ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) launched as the firm's flagship actively managed ETF.
Products and positioning
High-conviction, research-driven thematic investor in disruptive innovation, aimed at long-horizon investors comfortable with volatility.
ARK Innovation ETF
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF
ARK Next Generation Internet ETF
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF
ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF
ARK Fintech Innovation ETF
Recent events
Warhound raises $200 million seed round[2]
Reported:
Warhound emerged from stealth with a $200 million seed round. The source identifies In-Q-Tel, Sequoia Capital, ARK Invest, Franklin Templeton, 8VC, USIT, Bob Nelsen, Breyer Capital, CAZ Investments, Neogenesis, Builders VC and Lux Capital among its backers.
- Unconfirmed
ARK Invest discloses Q2 13F position building SpaceX stake to about 4.97%[3]
Reported:
ARK Invest's latest Q2 13F filing disclosed a newly built position in SpaceX (SPCX) of about 4.97%, making it the third-largest holding, as ARK raised its space-industry weighting and named Space & Defense one of five Big Ideas innovation themes.
Sources3 sources
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