Kathy Wood

Cathie Wood founded ARK Invest in 2014 and managed several actively managed ETFs focused on disruptive technology themes including genomics, robotics, fintech, space, and AI. ARK's flagship ARKK ETF returned 150% in 2020, making Wood one of the most followed investors globally and ARK the fastest-growing ETF family. Retail investors poured $20+ billion into ARK ETFs at the peak. However, ARKK subsequently declined 75%+ from its highs, wiping out most investors' gains. Wood's story became the most prominent example of thematic ETF boom-bust cycles. Despite the drawdown, Wood has remained committed to her long-term thesis on disruptive innovation and continued publishing high-conviction research on artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and genomics, maintaining a dedicated following among investors who share her view that transformative technologies will generate exceptional long-term returns even if the path is volatile.