Technology

eMerge Americas and SmartGateVC Launch HIVE — A Healthcare Syndicate Built to Move Industry Capital into Vetted Innovation

Published

21 hours ago

April 24, 2026

The Healthcare Innovation Venture Ecosystem (HIVE) unites executives from leading U.S. healthcare institutions to co-invest in and accelerate vetted HealthTech startups — with speed, credibility, and structural alignment.

MIAMI, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — eMerge Americas, in partnership with SmartGateVC, today announced the public launch of the Healthcare Innovation Venture Ecosystem (HIVE) — a first-of-its-kind healthcare syndicate connecting leading health systems, payers, Med tech and Bio-pharma institutions with high-potential Healthcare startups. HIVE made its public debut at eMerge Americas 2026, where “finalist startups” pitched before an exclusive audience of healthcare executives and investors during the consortium’s inaugural in-person gathering.

Unlike traditional venture syndicates or corporate innovation funds, HIVE is built around active industry institutional participation. Member executives bring healthcare specific procurement authority, clinical validation capacity, and real-world deployment pathways — assets that transform a startup’s trajectory far beyond what capital alone can accomplish.

“Capital is not the problem. Ambition is not the problem. The problem has always been structural — the absence of a coordinated mechanism that puts the right institutions, the right capital, and the right startups in the same room and turbocharge innovation and adoption. HIVE ends that fragmentation. The 20+ institutions already involved are not a promise of what’s coming. They are evidence of what’s already here.”
— Jack Topdjian, Advisor, eMerge Americas | Venture Partner, SmartGateVC | Chief Convener, HIVE

Built on Structure, Not Goodwill

HIVE operates with the rigor of a venture firm. Its structural pillars include senior executive representation with real decision rights, a neutral governance body ensuring strategic alignment across members, flexible at-will investment participation with incentives for shared risk, and AI-powered infrastructure for deal tracking, knowledge sharing, and portfolio analysis. The result is a consortium designed to act — not just convene.

Membership Is a Competitive Advantage

HIVE members gain first-look access to deal flow emerging from the combined portfolios and pipelines of fellow member institutions — before those opportunities reach the broader market. This early visibility, combined with shared due diligence and coordinated value offers ranging from clinical pilots to investment commitments, gives members a structural edge in identifying and backing the next wave of healthcare innovation while optimizing their investment commitments and focusing on the most promising startups.

The Right People Are Already Aligned

The health system leaders, innovators, and operators who participated in the HIVE experience at eMerge Americas 2026 — including committee members from Orlando Health, Tampa General Hospital, and Cleveland Clinic — are deeply integrated into the consortium’s deal flow and selection process, lending both strategic depth and real-world clinical perspective to every investment decision.

“Healthcare innovation only matters when it solves real clinical problems. Through HIVE, strategic partners submit pre‑validated technologies, so we’re able to focus our time on solutions with demonstrated potential. That cuts through the noise and lets health systems pressure‑test or invest in only the opportunities that have a credible path to impact.”
— Anthony Mango, Senior Manager of Product Development & Commercialization | HIVE Committee Member

“At Tampa General, our most important standard for innovation is whether the idea addresses a true need for our organization and the patients we serve. Our hope is that HIVE will give us a seat at the table from the earliest stages of healthcare innovation — allowing us to proactively infuse the perspectives of our team members and providers at the front end to shape outcomes rather than react to them.”
— Rachel Feinman, SVP of Innovation, Ventures & Digital Solutions, Tampa General Hospital | HIVE Committee Member

“Cleveland Clinic is committed to translating innovation into patient impact. It’s important for us to be able to connect with startups aligned with real clinical needs. This also gives us an opportunity to deploy our expertise and resources in ways that go beyond a check.”
— Linda Li, Partner, Cleveland Clinic | HIVE Committee Member

How Startups Participate

HIVE accepts only startup nominations from member institutions from seed to late Series A. Typically these are already institutional portfolio companies or startups in completed or active due diligence. Selected finalists are invited to pitch before the full membership in a structured session, during which members indicate value offers — such as clinical pilots, mentorship, or investment commitments — matched to each startup’s specific needs. Top companies through this year around process are then invited to present at eMerge Americas, where the HIVE Awards formalize those commitments publicly: members announce on stage which startups they have chosen to back and why.

“eMerge Americas was built to be the place where the future of healthcare, technology, and capital converge. HIVE is the natural next step — turning that convergence into coordinated action. We are proud to anchor this alongside SmartGateVC and the institutions who have chosen to lead.”
— Melissa Medina, CEO, eMerge Americas

About HIVE
HIVE (Healthcare Innovation Venture Ecosystem) is a curated co-investment syndicate that brings together senior executives from leading U.S. healthcare institutions to identify, validate, and accelerate vetted HealthTech startups. Members contribute not only capital but active institutional engagement — clinical validation, procurement pathways, and strategic alignment — creating a uniquely powerful launchpad for early-stage companies solving real problems in healthcare delivery. HIVE was launched at eMerge Americas 2026 in partnership with SmartGateVC.

About SmartGateVC
SmartGateVC is a Southern California-based venture capital firm investing at the earliest stages in Physical AI / Robotics, Brain-Computer Interfaces / Neurotech, and Cybersecurity. The firm’s portfolio companies originate from leading innovation engines including Harvard, MIT, EPFL, Meta, NASA JPL, and Bosch — and have attracted follow-on and co-investment from Nvidia, Dell, Cisco, Bessemer, AI Fund, and other prominent strategics and venture firms. Learn more at smartgate.vc.

About eMerge Americas
eMerge Americas is a strategic convener and catalyst for innovation, bringing together global enterprises, startups, investors, and government leaders to accelerate advancements in AI, finance, health, and national security. Through year-round programming and its annual global tech conference and expo in Miami, eMerge Americas connects capital, talent, and ideas to drive impactful progress. Since 2014, the conference has attracted 20,000+ attendees annually from over 50 countries and catalyzed billions in venture investment. Learn more at emergeamericas.com.

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SOURCE eMerge Americas

Technology

The Inner Circle acknowledges Colleen Reilly as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

Published

18 hours ago

April 24, 2026

PORT ST. JOE, Fla., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Colleen Reilly is honored as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Transforming Catering and Event Services in Northwest Florida.

Since 2015, Colleen Reilly has served as founder and CEO of Catering Connections, a company that has redefined catering in Northwest Florida’s beach communities through innovation, collaboration, and community focus. Guided by her motto “Just one call feeds them all,” Ms. Reilly established a unique model by partnering with local restaurants to showcase their specialties, fostering unity among businesses while providing clients with one-of-a-kind event experiences.

With over 15 years of industry expertise, Ms. Reilly specializes in coordinating weddings, family reunions, and corporate events, managing every detail from client consultation to menu planning and flawless execution. Her dedication to service has earned Catering Connections multiple recognitions, including the Couples Choice Award from WeddingWire from 2021 to 2025, the Best of Florida Award from 2022 to 2024, and the Lux Life Hospitality and Catering Award in 2023 and 2024.

Ms. Reilly’s career foundation includes an associate degree in paralegal studies, magna cum laude, from Volunteer State College, a reflection of her meticulous approach to detail and commitment to excellence. Beyond her business, she serves her community as a board member of the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership and as president of Friends of the Governor Stone Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving maritime heritage in Panama City. Her previous civic contributions include serving five years as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children within the legal system, and volunteering as a school chaperone for international student trips.

A leader who blends innovation with service, Ms. Reilly continues to grow Catering Connections while deepening her commitment to the local community. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to expanding her company’s impact, bringing people together, and creating meaningful experiences through food and fellowship.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

Technology

Media Contributor Kianga Moore to Host Executive Media Roundtable On AI’s Transformational Impact in Retail

Published

18 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint, and New Nexus Group to Explore Real-Time Decision-Making, Resilience, and Growth in a Volatile Market

NEW YORK, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As retailers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, supply chain volatility, and rapidly shifting consumer expectations, the upcoming convening of a high-level roundtable discussion will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the retail landscape in real time.

Moderated by Media Contributor Kianga Moore, to be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 11h00am (EST), the roundtable will bring together senior leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint and New Nexus Group to discuss how modern enterprise platforms are leveraging AI to drive agility, efficiency, and long-term resilience across the retail ecosystem.

The discussion will additionally focus on how AI is enabling retailers to respond dynamically to changing demand signals, optimize marketing investments, and strengthen interoperability across increasingly complex vendor and marketplace networks.

“Retailers today are operating in a constant state of disruption”, stated Kianga Moore. “This roundtable will explore how AI is not just a tool for efficiency, but a strategic asset for anticipating change and building more resilient, adaptive American enterprise.”

Key discussion topics will include remarks on how, for example, enterprise AI platforms are helping retailers respond instantly to fluctuations in consumer demand, pricing pressures, and external supply chain disruptions and the role of AI in enhancing interoperability across vendors, partners, and marketplaces to create more agile and resilient retail infrastructures in 2026.

Rob Gonda, Chief Technical Officer at Vendormint, stated that, “Interoperability is the backbone of modern retail. AI enables seamless communication between platforms, vendors, and marketplaces—turning fragmented systems into cohesive, responsive ecosystems that can adapt under pressure.”

Discussion topics will also include machine learning’s ability to optimize ad spend, improving personalization, and delivering measurable ROI while maintaining brand trust and regulatory compliance.

Eric Howerton, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AdFury.ai, added that,”AI is fundamentally changing how brands approach customer acquisition. By leveraging machine learning through fine-tuned, retail-specific agentic flows, we can not only optimize ad spend in real time, but we can also ensure messaging is personalized, compliant, and aligned with evolving consumer expectations.”

And indeed the roundtable will include discussions on how AI-powered predictive analytics can help businesses anticipate economic, technological, and geopolitical disruptions ahead—and plan accordingly.

Cheryl Yarbrough, Vice President of Partnerships at New Nexus Group added that, “Resilience in retail is no longer built in quarterly planning cycles-it’s built in real time. AI gives organizations the ability to identify disruptions before they cascade, pivot strategies before momentum is lost, and maintain continuity when the market moves faster than any human team can react alone.”

The roundtable will be held via Zoom TeleConference, with questions from the press and key stakeholders to follow opening remarks and a 30-minute Q&A between the moderator and the panelists.

For all media inquiries and to register to attend, please contact: Sam Amsterdam, Amsterdam Group Public Relations Inc. – Sam@AmsterdamGroup.net / +1 (202) 910-8349

Vendormint (https://vendormint.com)New Nexus Group (https://www.newnexusgroup.com)AdFury.ai (https://www.adfury.ai)

Samuel Amsterdam
Communications Counsel
Vendormint
samuelamsterdam@gmail.com

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SOURCE Vendormint

Technology

Fairway Home Mortgage Earns Prestigious USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award For 6th Consecutive Year

Published

19 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson Named #1 Leadership Award Winner of Companies With 2500+ Employees

MADISON, Wis., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fairway Home Mortgage announced that it has earned the prestigious 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award. This is the sixth year in a row Fairway achieved this honor.

The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 40,500 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners at the National Awards Summit in Nashville. Watch the video of the event here.

“Being recognized with this award reflects Fairway’s commitment to bringing our people together face-to-face,” said Fairway’s CEO and Founder Steve Jacobson. “Companies are better when their people are around each other. People need each other and they learn from each other, and we’re very intentional about creating opportunities for in-person collaboration at Fairway.”

Jacobson demonstrated that in-person collaboration when he traveled to Knoxville this week with Fairway Senior Vice President Dan Richards to spend time with one of Fairway’s branches and their local real estate partners. “We engaged in real conversations about the market, discussed what people are seeing on the ground, and talked about how Fairway keeps showing up for clients,” said Richards. “It’s a reflection of the same hands-on approach that has defined Fairway’s culture for more than two decades.”

“To be named a Top Workplace for six consecutive years speaks to Fairway’s leadership, our mindset, and the empowerment of our staff,” said Fairway’s Chief People and Engagement Officer Julie Fry. “Our strength isn’t just what we offer employees. What sets a top workplace apart is the daily commitment to people—prioritizing connection, valuing contributions, and creating an environment where employees feel energized to serve because they feel valued first.”

The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

“Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization’s credibility and commitment to a people-first culture,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition — it’s proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence. It signals a company that values its people, and that kind of culture resonates in today’s competitive market”

About Fairway Home Mortgage
Madison, WI- and Carrollton, TX-based Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2289) is a full-service mortgage lender licensed in all 50 states. Fairway is the #2 overall retail lender in the U.S.

About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

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SOURCE Fairway Home Mortgage