Connect with us

Technology

WELL Health’s Subsidiary WELLSTAR Provides Corporate Update on its Recent Acquisitions and Announces Strategic Additions to its Management Team

Published

on

WELLSTAR has made two key additions to its management team, Sarah Xu has joined as Vice President of Growth Operations and Frank Seiferth has joined as Vice President of Product. Sarah and Frank bring deep industry experience and leadership backgrounds including Google, Ambience Healthcare, Blue-Dot and Amdocs.WELLSTAR also welcomes the operators and teams behind its newest acquisitions and partnerships, Microquest and Bluebird iT. Microquest is a leading EMR provider serving the Province of Alberta with over 375 clinics and 1600 providers. Bluebird iT supports over 700 medical clinics and hospitals across Canada, making it the largest provider of IT solutions and services to outpatient healthcare clinics in Canada, and the leading deployment provider of technology solutions for Canadian doctors.WELLSTAR delivers technology solutions to over 40% of all physicians in Canada and is committed to further expansion through organic and inorganic growth, underpinned by continuing to deliver tangible, innovative and valuable tools to healthcare providers nationwide.

VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 19, 2025 /CNW/ – WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL) (OTCQX: WHTCF) (“WELL” or “the Company”), a digital healthcare company focused on positively impacting health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower healthcare practitioners and their patients globally, is pleased to announce key updates regarding its subsidiary WELLSTAR Technologies Corp. (“WELLSTAR”), the leading provider of healthcare technology solutions in Canada. WELLSTAR announces key additions to its management team, Sarah Xu as Vice President of Growth Operations and Frank Seiferth as Vice President of Product. The Company also provides an update on its recent acquisitions of Microquest and Bluebird iT.

Amir Javidan, CEO of WELLSTAR, commented, “As WELLSTAR scales its operations and prepares to be spun out of WELL, as a separate public company that will be majority owned and controlled by WELL, we are delighted to announce the recent addition of tremendously talented senior leaders to the WELLSTAR team. Sarah and Frank have been appointed to new senior roles within the company, while Brandon Blanck, CEO of Microquest and John Solomos, CEO of Bluebird iT, have joined us through the acquisitions of those two companies. In previous roles, Sarah spent significant time and effort at Google in global business strategy and operations, using her knowledge of customer acquisition to help scale some of the most important and valuable brands we see in the HCIT marketplace. Frank, as Head of Product at BlueDot, leveraged AI to anticipate, understand, and respond to threats by building a best-in-breed infectious disease intelligence provider.”

Mr. Javidan further adds, “We are also very pleased to welcome Brandon Blanck and John Solomos, as well as their talented teams to the WELLSTAR family. Brandon and John will stay in their current operator roles and focus on growing their businesses while delivering value to their customers and ecosystem partners. Microquest and Bluebird iT are proving to be key assets that expand WELLSTAR’s footprint across Canada and complement our existing solutions.”

Microquest is a leading EMR solution serving 375 clinics and 1,600 providers in the province of Alberta. Bluebird iT is the largest provider of IT services to outpatient healthcare clinics in Canada, making it the leading deployment provider of technology for Canadian doctors.

Bluebird iT supports over 700 clinics and hospitals across Canada and will be looking to expand organically and inorganically as a trusted, vendor-agnostic provider that delivers exceptional technology solutions and services to its clinic customers. WELL has acquired a 51% stake with founder ownership maintaining 49%.

With these acquisitions, WELLSTAR now has over 330 team members and delivers technology solutions to over 40% of all physicians in Canada, reinforcing its position as an enabling force in digital health. The Company’s experienced leadership team is focused on driving innovation, expanding technology offerings, and strengthening relationships with healthcare providers. WELLSTAR’s goal is to support providers in overcoming the significant administrative burden they currently face through the use of next-generation digital and AI-enabled software solutions. WELLSTAR supports one of the largest ecosystems of solutions for the digital enablement of healthcare in Canada, including:

Provincially integrated primary and specialty-care EMRs.Revenue optimization, including automated insured and uninsured billing management.Patient engagement solutions, including online booking, secure messaging, and E-referrals.AI-enabled automation solutions, including ambient scribe, inbox management, and rare and chronic disease decision support tools.

By delivering scalable, interoperable solutions, the Company is committed to enhancing practice efficiency, improving patient care, and creating long-term value for Canadian healthcare.

WELLSTAR is pleased to announce that it has appointed two new leaders to key posts in the company’s senior leadership team:

Sarah Xu – Vice President Growth Operations

Sarah Xu brings extensive experience in growth strategy, business intelligence, and healthcare technology. As VP of Growth Operations at WELL, she will play a key role in scaling WELLSTAR’s market presence and optimizing growth initiatives across its portfolio.

Sarah is a healthcare go-to-market leader with a proven track record of scaling growth-stage companies and startups across Google, Ambience Healthcare, and Circle Medical. She has rejoined WELL, having previously led Circle Medical as Head of Growth, where she built the growth engine that profitably drove 10X revenue growth over 18 months and scaled the company from 8 to 200+ clinicians. Sarah led companies through hypergrowth at Google, partnering closely to identify and execute transformative strategies that unlocked 2X-10X profitable growth. Her success in consistently driving outsized revenue growth and identifying opportunities to profitably leverage Google’s machine learning capabilities across its SEO and paid acquisition channels enabled her to scale companies in the D2C and enterprise SaaS space effectively.

Sarah most recently brought to market leading healthcare AI technology at US-based Ambience Healthcare, where she established the sales and marketing teams and successfully launched the non-founder sales motions driving the first seven-figure sales of ambient scribing tools with leading enterprise health systems in the US. Sarah joined the company pre-revenue as its first business hire and led its go-to-market function through its USD$70M Series B led by Kleiner Perkins and OpenAI.

At WELLSTAR, Sarah is focused on accelerating growth initiatives, optimizing data-driven strategies, and expanding market penetration through strategic partnerships and operational efficiencies. Her expertise in scaling healthcare technology businesses will be instrumental in driving WELLSTAR’s next growth phase.

Frank Seiferth – Vice President of Product

Frank is a seasoned SaaS product leader with over 25 years of experience driving innovation, growth, and market expansion across health-tech, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and supply chain. He has successfully led multiple companies through high-growth transitions, IPOs, and successful exits, shaping product strategy and execution. At health-tech Bluedot, he led the product strategy for its AI-driven disease outbreak intelligence, enabling the company to detect COVID-19 in China first—nine days ahead of global health organizations.

Previously, Frank held senior product leadership roles at Tecsys and Amdocs, where he spearheaded digital transformation initiatives, expanded market presence, integrated acquisitions, and drove product innovation. Known for building high-performance teams and fostering innovation, he excels in scaling products, leading AI-driven transformation, and driving product-led growth. Frank is an inventor with multiple patents and holds a master’s degree in Communication Technology (Diplom-Ingenieur FH) from the University of Zwickau, Germany.

At WELLSTAR, Frank will be responsible for leading product strategy and execution across all the portfolio of products, including EMR, digital apps, AI tools, medical billing and clinic back-office solutions.

WELL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES CORP.

Per: “Hamed Shahbazi”

Hamed Shahbazi

Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director

About WELL Health Technologies Corp.

WELL’s mission is to tech-enable healthcare providers. We do this by developing the best technologies, services, and support available, which ensures healthcare providers are empowered to positively impact patient outcomes. WELL’s comprehensive healthcare and digital platform includes extensive front and back-office management software applications that help physicians run and secure their practices. WELL’s solutions enable more than 38,000 healthcare providers between the US and Canada and power the largest owned and operated healthcare ecosystem in Canada with more than 200 clinics supporting primary care, specialized care, and diagnostic services. In the United States WELL’s solutions are focused on specialized markets such as the gastrointestinal market, women’s health, primary care, and mental health. WELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “WELL” and on the OTC Exchange under the symbol “WHTCF”. To learn more about the Company, please visit: www.well.company

About WELLSTAR

WELLSTAR (WELLSTAR.health) empowers healthcare providers with innovative technology and services to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. WELLSTAR offers a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to meet the needs of healthcare providers, including: (i) Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software for primary care and specialist providers; (ii) Digital Health Apps including OceanMD and a suite of AI automation solutions, as well as the apps.health marketplace; and (iii) Medical billing and back-office solutions including revenue cycle management (RCM) and technology solutions. WELLSTAR’s comprehensive range of products and solutions are designed to streamline care delivery, integrate fragmented healthcare systems, reduce provider burnout, and improve patient healthcare experiences and outcomes.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/well-healths-subsidiary-wellstar-provides-corporate-update-on-its-recent-acquisitions-and-announces-strategic-additions-to-its-management-team-302379839.html

SOURCE WELL Health Technologies Corp.

Continue Reading

Technology

In HelloNation, Jewelry Expert Mike Littlejohn Explains What to Expect From Jewelry Repair and Ring Resizing

Published

on

By

The article outlines how repair services and resizing work and what factors affect timing, cost, and results.

AUBURN, Ind., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Can damaged or ill-fitting jewelry be restored instead of replaced? That question is answered in a HelloNation article, featuring insights from Jewelry Expert Mike Littlejohn of Carbaugh Jewelers.

The HelloNation article explains that jewelry repair and ring resizing are practical ways to restore both the function and appearance of worn pieces. It notes that everyday issues such as broken chains, worn prongs, and loose clasps are common and can often be fixed successfully when addressed early.

According to the article, jewelry repair services cover a wide range of problems caused by regular wear. Fixing these issues promptly can help prevent more serious damage and extend the life of the piece. The article emphasizes that early attention often leads to better outcomes.

Ring resizing is another key service discussed. The ring resizing process involves adjusting the band so that the ring fits securely and comfortably again. Changes in finger size over time or due to temperature can make resizing necessary. The article explains that the goal is to maintain the original look while improving wearability.

Not all rings can be resized in the same way. The article describes how simple bands are easier to adjust, while more detailed designs may require careful handling. Rings with stones set along the band can limit how much resizing is possible. The article notes that understanding these factors helps set clear expectations before starting any work.

Metal type also plays an important role in both jewelry repair and resizing. The article explains that gold is commonly used and responds well to standard techniques. Platinum is denser and more durable, which can make it harder to adjust but also longer lasting. These differences can affect the time and complexity of the repair.

Stone settings require special attention during any jewelry repair services. The article notes that loose stones can often be secured, and missing stones may be replaced if a close match is available. Careful handling helps maintain both the safety and appearance of the piece.

Timing varies depending on the type of repair. The article explains that simple fixes may be completed quickly, while more detailed work takes additional time. The ring resizing process may also take longer if a significant size change is needed. Understanding the timeline helps manage expectations.

Cost is another factor addressed in the article. Jewelry repair cost depends on the level of work required, the condition of the item, and the materials involved. Basic repairs are usually more affordable, while complex work can increase the overall cost. Clear estimates help avoid surprises.

Preventive care is also important. The article encourages regular checks for loose parts or signs of wear so that issues can be handled early. This reduces the need for more extensive repairs and helps maintain the condition of the jewelry over time.

In some cases, repair may not be the best option. The article explains that severe damage or delicate designs can limit what can be safely restored. Alternative solutions, such as redesigning the piece, may be considered when repair is not practical. The article highlights the importance of understanding these limits.

In the end, the article emphasizes that jewelry repair and ring resizing remain valuable options for maintaining meaningful items. By understanding jewelry repair services, the ring resizing process, jewelry repair cost, and how metal type affects the work, individuals can make informed decisions and extend the life of their jewelry.

Can Jewelry Be Repaired or Resized, and What Should You Expect? Features insights from Mike Littlejohn, Jewelry Expert of Auburn, Indiana, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-jewelry-expert-mike-littlejohn-explains-what-to-expect-from-jewelry-repair-and-ring-resizing-302924992.html

SOURCE HelloNation

Continue Reading

Technology

INSEAD establishes Thrive Lab with US$3 million funding from Google.org and Google DeepMind

Published

on

By

Launched at INSEAD AI Forum Asia, the new Lab is set to advance global academic research on the impact of AI on human connectivity, meaning and wellbeing in work and life

FONTAINEBLEAU, France and SINGAPORE and SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — INSEAD, The Business School for the World, today announced it has received US$3 million in funding from Google.org and Google DeepMind. The funding will support the Research Lab for Human and Organisational Thriving (INSEAD Thrive Lab), aimed at accelerating global research on how people and organisations can flourish in an era of continuous technological transformation.

Artificial intelligence is emerging as the most consequential technology that profoundly shapes how people learn, work, live and interact with one another. While it presents near limitless possibilities, we need to give careful attention to the potential risks. How can we strengthen our human, social and psychological capital amid relentless technological change? And how must our ecosystems of learning – spanning educational, community, and professional spheres – evolve to build this capital? These are the central questions that the INSEAD Thrive Lab will focus on.

“We want to understand how people can expand their capabilities, build economically viable and psychologically meaningful working lives, and cultivate strong relationships with others in the age of artificial intelligence. Through rigorous, multidisciplinary research, INSEAD Thrive Lab aims to have real-world impact and generate actionable insights into what enables people and organisations not just to adapt to a rapidly changing world, but to thrive in it,” said Winnie Jiang, Academic Director of INSEAD Thrive Lab and Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour at INSEAD.

Housed under INSEAD’s Human and Machine Intelligence Institute (HUMII) – a cross-disciplinary research institute that counts the 2025 Nobel Laureate in Economics Philippe Aghion and 2025 Oskar Morgenstern Medallist Phanish Puranam as part of its core academic team – INSEAD Thrive Lab will focus on three interconnected domains: Learning, Working and Relating.

“The success of artificial intelligence won’t be measured solely by efficiency or productivity gains, but by whether it empowers people to live more fulfilling lives. Navigating this rapid transformation requires thoughtful research and an unwavering commitment to human well-being. We are proud to support the launch of INSEAD Thrive Lab, which will explore some of the most pressing questions shaping the future of work and help people adapt, stay resilient, and thrive alongside AI,” said Sepi Hejazi Moghadam, Head of Foundations of Science, Google.org.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous fund from Google.org and Google DeepMind. At HUMII, our goal is to conduct research on all branches of artificial intelligence for the ultimate purpose of expanding human capacities and human agency. The Lab’s work will be core to HUMII and to our society,” says Lily Fang, Academic Director of HUMII and Dean of Research and Innovation at INSEAD.

Click here to view video about the INSEAD Thrive Lab

INSEAD Thrive Lab will build on the school’s mission to develop responsible leaders who transform organisations and society, serving as a global hub for research, dialogue and innovation around the human dimension of progress. To this end, it will train emerging scholars working on the theme of human meaning and human flourishing through its PhD research award and postdoctoral fellowship and bring the wider research community together at its annual global conference. Research-to-practice partnerships with organisations, schools and governments, as well as a series of workshops, talks and dialogues are designed to translate insights into practice, and ultimately, help people flourish.

The announcement was made during the INSEAD AI Forum Asia, held at the INSEAD Asia Campus in Singapore. The event serves as a platform for dialogue between researchers, business leaders, policymakers and the public with the goal of advancing the beneficial and responsible use of artificial intelligence to benefit business and society. Part of the global INSEAD AI Forum series, the Asia edition comes after Europe and America, with the next edition taking place in UAE from 27 to 28 January 2027.

To learn more about INSEAD Thrive Lab, participate in the programme, or support the

school’s ongoing mission, visit INSEAD Thrive Lab or follow #INSEADAI.

Media contact: news@insead.edu

###

About INSEAD, The Business School for the World 

As one of the world’s leading and largest graduate business schools, INSEAD brings together people, cultures and ideas to develop responsible leaders who transform business and society. Our research, teaching and partnerships reflect this global perspective and cultural diversity. Our global perspective and unparalleled cultural diversity are reflected in our research, teaching, partnerships; as well as in our alumni network of over 73,000 members representing 176 nationalities across 183 countries.

With locations in Europe (France), Asia (Singapore), the Middle East (Abu Dhabi), and North America (San Francisco), INSEAD’s business education and research spans four regions. Our 162 renowned Faculty members from 40 countries inspire more than 1,700 degree participants annually in our Master in Management, MBA, Global Executive MBA, Specialised Master’s degrees (Executive Master in Finance and Executive Master in Change) and PhD programmes. In addition, more than 21,000 executives participate in INSEAD Executive Education programmes each year.

INSEAD continues to conduct cutting-edge research and innovate across all our programmes. We provide business leaders with the knowledge and awareness to operate anywhere. Our core values drive academic excellence and serve the global community as The Business School for the World.

For more information, visit www.insead.edu. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/insead-establishes-thrive-lab-with-us3-million-funding-from-googleorg-and-google-deepmind-302924894.html

SOURCE INSEAD

Continue Reading

Technology

nbkc bank Announces Agreement to Assume Consumer BaaS Programs of LSBX, a Division of Lincoln Savings Bank

Published

on

By

Transaction to Boost nbkc’s Banking as a Service Business and Deposit Base

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — nbkc bank today announced that it filed an application with the FDIC to assume the consumer-focused Banking as a Service (BaaS) portfolio maintained by LSBX, Lincoln Savings Bank’s BaaS division, which would increase the scale of its BaaS business and overall deposit base.

The transaction is anticipated to close in early 2027 subject to regulatory approval. Terms were not disclosed. It follows a September announcement that Lincoln Savings Bank parent Lincoln Bancorp, Reinbeck, Iowa, will merge with and into Equity Bancshares, Inc., headquartered in Wichita, Kan.

“This transaction is a natural fit for nbkc and is a great opportunity to continue growing our BaaS business,” said Michael Bartkoski, president and CEO of nbkc bank. “It allows us to further strengthen our deposit base and build upon an established program with significant momentum.” Bartkoski said he expects the LSBX offering to be merged into nbkc’s BaaS business and to go to market under the nbkc brand.

“We believe nbkc is an excellent successor and home for our LSBX customers,” said Sean Willett, CEO of Lincoln Savings Bank. “nbkc has built an exceptional Banking as a Service capability, and they are well known for effectively combining technology and a human touch. We believe in that approach and are confident it will serve our customers very well.”

Through BaaS offerings, banks provide nonbank fintech companies, which do not have banking charters, the opportunity to provide banking products such as deposits, checking, debit cards and personal loans to their customers. Fintech companies’ clients interact with the fintech company’s app on the front end, and their accounts are opened with the partner bank, typically on a private label basis. Fintech companies gain the ability to offer banking products, and banks offering BaaS gain access to those companies’ retail customers.

nbkc bank has developed meaningful scale in its BaaS business, with approximately 13 BaaS relationships with fintech companies, approximately 3.6 million BaaS customers and 30 dedicated BaaS employees.

“Our investment in our BaaS offering enables us to take on a transaction of this scale with confidence in our ability to provide a seamless, excellent customer experience,” Bartkoski said.

About nbkc bank

Having celebrated 25 years in 2024, nbkc bank is a Kansas City-based community bank with a nationwide online presence. Known for pairing intuitive technology with personal support, nbkc delivers digital solutions for mortgage, consumer, and business banking, plus Banking as a Service (BaaS) for companies nationwide. The bank also founded Fountain City Fintech®, an accelerator for growing fintech startups. nbkc remains committed to leading the industry toward simpler, more transparent banking. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Media Contact
Melissa.Beltrame@nbkc.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nbkc-bank-announces-agreement-to-assume-consumer-baas-programs-of-lsbx-a-division-of-lincoln-savings-bank-302924452.html

SOURCE nbkc bank

Continue Reading

Trending