A new ETF from legendary tech investor Ryan Jacob will target 'forward-thinking companies,' tapping demand for thematic investments

• An actively managed ETF from Ryan Jacob's asset management firm is looking to capitalize on the thematic investing boom.
• The Jacob Forward ETF will invest in "innovative, forward-thinking" tech companies.
• Jacob cut his teeth investing in tech as the dot-com bubble inflated, launching the Jacob Internet Fund in December 1999.

An actively managed ETF launched Wednesday by Ryan Jacob's asset management firm is looking to capitalize on the thematic investing boom.

The Jacob Forward ETF will invest in "innovative, forward-thinking" tech companies, on the theory technological advantages can drive "superior, lasting growth," according to the announcement.

Jacob cut his teeth investing in tech companies as the dot-com bubble inflated, launching the Jacob Internet Fund in December 1999, just months before the market crashed. After gaining 24% by March 2000, the bottom fell out for the fund, sending it tumbling 87% by the start of 2001.

But Jacob hung on, and his fund steadily recovered. Following a precipitous run-up during the pandemic, the internet fund is back at pre-dot-com bust levels, gaining 528% since 2001. The fund has gained 20.3% year-to-date.

The new ETF follows on a huge surge of interest in thematic funds, driven by ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood. Wood's outsized returns on her innovation ETFs and a cult following have catapulted her to fame.

The Jacob Forward ETF will charge a 0.75% management fee, in line with ARK's flagship ETF but a touch above the sector average of 0.69%.