Long before artificial intelligence became a worldwide phenomenon, 17-year-old Daniel Nikic sat in his first university accounting class, excelling with numbers but dreaming of something bigger — much bigger. “I was good with numbers in high school,” he recalls, “but I was always interested in different cultures — what’s going on in Japan, what’s going on in the Middle East, Russia, Germany.”
This curiosity about global markets would eventually lead him to switch his major to international business, reflecting his early recognition of an increasingly interconnected world — setting the stage for Cohres, his investment services research firm.
But young Nikic had miles to go before he’d enjoy the fruits of his labors. He dove into the professional pool during the aftershocks of the 2009 financial crisis, a baptism by fire that taught him resilience. At HB Reavis, under the mentorship of a banking veteran, Daniel Nikic absorbed a lesson that would shape his entire approach to business: “There’s no maybe in business, it’s only yes or no.” This black-and-white clarity would later become a cornerstone of his analytical methodology.
Daniel Nikic and Cohres Enter the World of Private Wealth
The year 2016 marked a turning point. Working with Family Capital, Nikic discovered the intricate world of family offices — a revelation that would fundamentally alter his career trajectory. He was fascinated by the complex ecosystem of high-net-worth individuals, their venture capital firms, legal teams, and accounting services.
The experience opened his eyes to a crucial market gap: While these wealthy individuals had access to numerous services, they lacked partners who could provide truly personalized, responsive research insights. This realization would be the spark that led to the founding of Cohres.
Breaking into the competitive world of investment research required more than just expertise — it demanded relentless persistence. After reaching out to thousands of potential clients, Daniel Nikic secured a breakthrough partnership with an American AI fund. It was just the break he needed.
The fund’s partners challenged him in unexpected ways, from studying popular science author and professor Adam Grant‘s works on organizational psychology to implementing unconventional accountability measures. These experiences forged a business philosophy that would distinguish Cohres in the marketplace: rigorous analysis combined with unwavering personal attention.
The AI Advantage — and the Human Element
Artificial intelligence has become both buzzword and bogeyman — but Daniel Nikic brings a refreshingly grounded perspective. Having analyzed over 8,000 AI companies across health care to enterprise sectors, he sees AI not as a threat, but as a catalyst for innovation.
“I think it’s going to get rid of a lot of repetitive tasks,” he observes, “but I think it’s also going to push humankind and the workforce to provide more insights.” His analysis extends beyond surface-level applications, identifying opportunities in radiology, data analysis, and enterprise solutions while acknowledging the technology’s limitations.
For such a tech-savvy leader, Nikic’s approach to client service seems almost anachronistic in an age of automated responses and chatbots. He’s available around the clock, customizing his communication style to each client’s preferences. Whether it’s meeting at airports or recommending local restaurants, no detail is too small when it comes to building trust.
This high-touch method stems from a simple observation: “A lot of these big companies, they have a lot of clients. And one thing I noticed working with high-net-worth individuals is they like knowing that you’re always there for them.”
His leadership philosophy challenges the stereotype of the brash entrepreneur. He maintains that humility is essential for continuous learning and often uses client interactions as opportunities to gain new insights. “These people are successful in certain aspects that I’m not,” he reflects. Why not learn from them? That’s the best way to learn from someone or a mentor.”
His take on problem-solving reveals similar wisdom. He believes only health and death are truly beyond control — everything else has a solution. This perspective helps maintain composure during difficult situations and keeps focus on finding constructive solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
Breaking New Ground: The Saudi Connection
Today, Daniel Nikic is expanding Cohres’ horizons into Saudi Arabia and other emerging markets. This reflects his gift for identifying opportunities in unexpected places. The region’s efforts to diversify its economy and demographic advantages present unique opportunities for investors like Nikic — the decision to focus on Saudi Arabia stems from his experience adapting to diverse markets and recognizing untapped potential. He sees parallels between Silicon Valley’s past growth and the current transformation in the Middle East. His approach involves connecting with high-net-worth individuals actively seeking to diversify their investments beyond traditional assets.
As limited partners in various funds, these investors represent a crucial bridge between emerging technologies and traditional wealth, making them ideal clients for Cohres’ specialized research services.
It’s all par for the course for Nikic and Cohres. He’s positioned his firm at the intersection of human insight and technological innovation, looking beyond traditional market analysis and encompassing the broader transformation of how investment decisions are made and executed.
The future he envisions isn’t about replacing human judgment with algorithms, but enhancing it through better data and deeper insights. Whether analyzing AI startups or evaluating emerging market opportunities, the focus remains on combining rigorous analysis with personal understanding — a path that’s become increasingly valuable in the new digital age.
Daniel Nikic’s evolution from a numbers-loving teen to a respected investment research entrepreneur illustrates how understanding market needs and authentic personal service can create a lasting impact. As Cohres grows, it’s a testament to the enduring value of personalized expertise in an increasingly automated world.