Strive

Strive Asset Management was established in 2022 by co-founders Vivek Ramaswamy and Anson Frericks. The firm was launched with the stated mission to depoliticize corporate America and redirect companies to focus on maximizing shareholder value, explicitly challenging investment strategies guided by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. In its first two years, the company reports it has grown to manage over $2 billion in assets.

The company's business model centers on offering a suite of financial products that align with its core philosophy. This includes exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that mirror the investment options of other large asset managers but are differentiated by Strive's approach to shareholder voting and corporate engagement. Strive also provides a Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) 401(k) for businesses and wealth management services for individuals, all designed around its shareholder-first investment philosophy. Revenue is generated through management fees on its ETFs and other financial products.

A significant milestone occurred in 2023 when co-founder Vivek Ramaswamy resigned to pursue his candidacy for President of the United States. Following his departure, Matt Cole was appointed as the new CEO. Cole previously oversaw substantial assets at CalPERS, and under his leadership, Strive has intensified its focus on countering what it describes as stakeholder capitalism and DEI agendas. More recently, in May 2025, the firm announced its intention to become the first publicly traded asset management company to incorporate a Bitcoin treasury strategy, aiming to maximize the amount of Bitcoin on its balance sheet.

Keywords: Strive Asset Management, Vivek Ramaswamy, Anson Frericks, Matt Cole, shareholder value, anti-ESG, asset management, exchange-traded funds, ETFs, corporate governance, investment philosophy, 401(k) plans, wealth management, Bitcoin treasury strategy, financial services, investment management, shareholder activism.