Virtus converts two Zevenbergen mutual funds into growth ETFs
Virtus Investment Partners has converted two Zevenbergen mutual funds into actively managed ETFs, adding $207.8 million in assets. The Virtus Zevenbergen Innovative Growth ETF (ZINN) and Discovery Growth ETF (ZDIS) offer intraday trading and tax efficiencies while maintaining their original high-growth strategies.

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Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (NYSE: VRTS) has converted two existing Zevenbergen mutual funds into actively managed exchange-traded funds, expanding its ETF lineup with high-growth equity strategies. The reorganization creates the Virtus Zevenbergen Innovative Growth ETF (NYSE: ZINN) and the Virtus Zevenbergen Discovery Growth ETF (NYSE: ZDIS), preserving the investment philosophy of the predecessor funds while offering intraday tradability and tax efficiencies.
The two new ETFs hold a combined $207.8 million in assets under management (AUM) as of June 30, 2026. The Innovative Growth ETF holds $137.7 million, while the Discovery Growth ETF holds $70.1 million. Both funds were originally launched on August 31, 2015.
| Former Mutual Fund: | Inception Date: | AUM ($ millions): | New ETF: | Ticker: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zevenbergen Growth Fund | 08/31/2015 | 137.7 | Virtus Zevenbergen Innovative Growth ETF | ZINN |
| Zevenbergen Genea Fund | 08/31/2015 | 70.1 | Virtus Zevenbergen Discovery Growth ETF | ZDIS |
Zevenbergen Capital Investments LLC (ZCI), an investment manager of Virtus, will continue to manage both portfolios. ZINN seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in a concentrated portfolio of companies across capitalizations and life cycle stages with strong growth prospects. ZDIS targets companies in the early stages of their life cycle, often driven by technological advancement.
What the Numbers Show
The conversion consolidates over two decades of fund history into a single ETF structure. The Innovative Growth ETF represents approximately 66% of the combined AUM ($137.7 million vs $70.1 million), indicating a larger investor base or higher asset accumulation in the broader growth strategy compared to the discovery-focused mandate.
William J. Smalley, executive managing director of Virtus ETF Solutions, stated that the introduction expands Virtus’ lineup of actively managed ETF strategies. Nancy Zevenbergen, CFA, president and chief investment officer of ZCI, noted that the move provides increased transparency and access for shareholders who have held the research for more than a decade.
ZCI specializes in high-growth and technology equity strategies for separately managed portfolios, mutual funds, and ETFs. Founded in 1987, the firm focuses on founder-led companies with strong financials and experienced management teams.
How might the shift from mutual fund to ETF structure impact the expense ratios and overall cost efficiency for existing shareholders?
What is Virtus' strategy for attracting new institutional investors to ZINN and ZDIS beyond the converted mutual fund base?
How do the tax efficiencies of these new ETFs compare to passive growth ETFs currently dominating the market?

























