As AI accelerates how fast software is built, Force Equals is redefining how enterprises plan what to build — and why.

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 10, 2026 — Force Equals, https://www.forceequals.ai/ an AI-native enterprise planning operating system, today announced it has raised a $2.2 million Series Seed round led by Cultivation Capital, with participation from prior investors.

The funding will be used to accelerate product development, expand go-to-market operations, and scale adoption of Force Equals’ AI Planning OS for enterprise software, AI, and business transformation initiatives. 

Enterprise organizations are facing a surge in software and AI-driven projects, along with the associated business transformation – all accelerated by generative AI and rapid development tooling. Yet planning processes remain fragmented, manual, and disconnected from execution.

Force Equals addresses this challenge with a multi-agent AI platform that transforms ideas into execution-ready plans by automatically mapping and collaborating with stakeholders, driving alignment, gathering critical context, generating functional, technical, and operational requirements, identifying risks and dependencies, managing approvals and project sign-offs, and producing delivery-ready artifacts for seamless handoff to downstream development, project management, and procurement workflows. Learn more at www.forceequals.ai .

As development velocity accelerates, planning and alignment have not kept pace. Without structured coordination of stakeholders and requirements, enterprises risk initiative bloat, execution chaos, and higher rates of failed transformation efforts.

Force Equals enables enterprise teams to answer the foundational questions that determine initiative success: what to prioritize, why it matters, whether the problem is fully understood, and whether the organization is ready to execute; ensuring delivery can begin with clarity and confidence. The platform activates across a portfolio of potential initiatives, helping organizations evaluate, prioritize, and align transformation investments at scale.

“Enterprise planning has become the critical bottleneck in transformation,” said Marc Chabot, Co-Founder & CEO of Force Equals. “Our platform compresses months of planning into minutes, aligns stakeholders automatically, and gives organizations confidence before delivery execution begins.”

“Force Equals is building foundational infrastructure for enterprise planning in the AI era,” said Paul Weber, General Partner at Cultivation Capital. “As organizations manage increasing complexity, their approach to planning must evolve. We’re excited to partner with the Force Equals team as they scale this emerging category.”

Since launching, Force Equals has gained traction among enterprise PMOs, IT leaders, and transformation teams seeking faster, more aligned planning for complex initiatives as they transition from managing tasks to orchestrating agent ecosystems – a shift Force Equals both enables for its customers and embodies through its own multi-agent platform architecture.  Enterprise teams can access and validate impact from the platform at  https://planner.forceequals.ai/

Force Equals is a platform that helps organizations plan their portfolio of complex software, AI, and business transformation initiatives. Its AI Planning Operating System, prioritizes for impact, orchestrates stakeholders, requirements, and agent-driven workflows, while seamlessly handing off to downstream execution systems.

Architected as a coordinated multi-agent platform, Force Equals enables enterprises and their project teams to evolve from managing tasks to orchestrating agent ecosystems across the planning lifecycle.

Learn more at www.forceequals.ai

SOURCE Force Equals Inc

Natilus has attracted broad buy-in across defense, air freight and commercial aviation markets for the game changing economics that its blended-wing-body platform enables. Leveraging improved aerodynamics, capacity, and efficiency, its family of blended-wing aircraft cut fuel usage by 30% and carbon emissions and operational costs by 50%. This latest funding will allow Natilus to complete manufacturing of its first full-scale prototype of regional cargo plane KONA, which is expected to fly in the next 24 months. Natilus will also further invest in the development of its second aircraft, HORIZON EVO, a 200+-passenger aircraft intended to compete with the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321-neo. Today, Natilus also debuted its transition from a single-deck to a dual-deck aircraft, implementing modifications to the profile and interior that substantially enhance passenger experience and safety.

Global aircraft demand has outpaced the combined production capabilities of Boeing and Airbus – leaving a shortfall of 15,000 planes that must be met over the next 20 years to satisfy global need. As a result, the market is hungry for a new manufacturing entrant that can navigate supply chain constraints and deliver a superior aircraft.

In the last 12 months, Natilus has made significant progress on its IP family and national manufacturing efforts. In July, it was awarded a patent for KONA’s diamond-shaped cargo bay and in March, it initiated the launch of its first domestic manufacturing site search to produce KONA. Currently, Natilus’s commercial product order book stands at 570+ aircraft, with reservations from major players like SpiceJet, Nolinor Aviation, Flexport, and Ameriflight – and is valued at $24 billion.

In addition to strong demand from domestic and global carriers, Natilus’s optionally-piloted KONA is gaining interest for its potential defense applications. With its 3.8 ton payload capacity and ability to land on shorter, gravel runways, KONA can provide intra-theater lift and transport cargo to remote locations more efficiently than ever before. The cargo freighter can support Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and logistics resupply in highly contested and austere regions such as the Indo-Pacific. Natilus has engaged in conversations with the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and the Department of Defense, which see value in KONA.

“The aviation market is ripe for a new aircraft manufacturing entrant,” said Tim Draper, Founding Partner of Draper Associates. “Natilus’s innovative and technology-driven approach to developing blended wing aircraft has opened the doors for air freight and passenger airlines alike to embrace these new planes.”

Natilus has derisked the technology and expedited widespread commercial adoption by designing its planes to use existing engine technology and include vertical tails for control and stabilization. Natilus has designed its family of aircraft to be compatible with existing gate operations and airport infrastructure to maintain interoperability.

Meanwhile, Natilus is actively pursuing FAA Part 23, Amendment 64 certification for KONA and is determining a location for its 250,000 square feet manufacturing site to build 60 KONA per year. The company is on track to deliver the first KONA later this decade and the first HORIZON EVO in the early 2030s.

Natilus welcomes world-class aviation veteran and former Boeing executive, Kory Mathews, to the Natilus Board of Directors. During his tenure at Boeing, where he held positions as the VP of Phantom Works and VP and Chief Engineer of Boeing Military Aircraft, Kory led advanced aircraft design and rapid prototyping. He will leverage his experience there and now, as a Senior Partner at New Vista Capital, to provide valuable OEM and defense perspectives to the company.

“We’re not just building aircraft. We’re reshaping the future of aviation beyond the limitations of the tube-and-wing airframe to fundamentally transform how we transport goods and people,” said Aleksey Matyushev, Co-Founder and CEO of Natilus. “With this latest funding and newest personnel additions, we are strongly positioned to bring our family of blended-wing aircraft to market, disrupting the Boeing-Airbus duopoly and bringing much-needed innovation to the aviation industry.”

About Natilus
Natilus is a U.S.-based company developing a family of hyper-efficient blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft designed to transport people and cargo more sustainably and efficiently than ever before. With over 570+ aircraft pre-orders valued at $24 billion, Natilus is commercializing its BWB aircraft that unlock improved aviation economics – reducing fuel consumption by 30% and operational costs by 50% while increasing payload capacity by 40%. Founded in 2016, the Natilus team is composed of innovators from Boeing, General Atomics, Northrop Grumman, Skunkworks, SpaceX, and Piper Aircraft. Learn more at natilus.co.

SOURCE Natilus

The funding will be used to scale Garner’s proprietary provider-ranking engine and incentive platform that now helps lower healthcare costs for over 2.5 million members

NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2026 — Garner Health, a leading digital platform that helps patients find the best healthcare providers using better data and smarter financial incentives, announced it has raised $118 million in funding. Garner’s Series D, which brings the company’s total capital raised to-date to approximately $200 million, was led by Kleiner Perkins with participation from Redpoint, Maverick, Kaiser Permanente Ventures, Mercy, Plus Capital, and other existing investors.

The funding comes at a time of explosive growth for Garner, with revenue up over 130% year-over-year as employers continue to look for alternatives to traditional provider search tools. The capital will be used to further expand Garner’s industry-leading doctor ranking platform, scale its AI-driven navigation and appointment booking capabilities and grow its team to meet the demands of a rapidly growing customer base.

The U.S. healthcare system suffers from a fundamental market failure: a lack of transparent data on physician quality and a lack of incentives for patients to seek high-performing providers.

“The single most important health decision we make is which individual doctor we see when we need care,” said Nick Reber, Founder and CEO of Garner Health. “Our data shows that the top-performing doctors have 75% lower rates of complications and mortality than their peers. By identifying these providers and creating the financial incentives for patients to see them, we aren’t just saving money—we’re fundamentally re-engineering the healthcare marketplace to reward quality.”

“Garner delivers a rare double win in healthcare: getting patients to the highest quality doctors while simultaneously cutting costs at scale,” said Josh Coyne at Kleiner Perkins. “Already serving 2.5 million people, Garner is fundamentally reshaping the way Americans access healthcare.”

Garner leverages one of the nation’s largest medical data sets – covering more than 320 million patient medical records – to identify doctors who follow the latest research, avoid unnecessary procedures, and help patients get healthy faster.

Unlike traditional transparency tools that fail to meaningfully change employees’ behavior, Garner drives true employee engagement. Garner does this by acting as a financial administrator that layers on top of existing health plans. When employees use Garner to find a Top Provider, their employer covers all or most out-of-pocket costs (deductibles and co-pays). The result: employees pay on average 80% less out-of-pocket to see the best doctors, while employers see an average 12% reduction in total healthcare spend in the first year alone.

Among Garner’s more than 700 clients and partners are some of the largest employers, health plans and providers in the country.

About Garner Health Garner Health is a health technology company on a mission to improve the quality of the American healthcare system. By using a massive dataset of 320 million patient records to identify the best doctors and creating powerful financial incentives for patients to see them, Garner helps employees get better care while significantly lowering costs for employers. For more information, visit www.garnerhealth.com.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Garner Health Technology

CORK, Ireland, Feb. 10, 2026 — ArrayPatch Ltd, a biotech company developing innovative microneedle-based therapeutics, today announced the first close of its €3 million seed funding round, to advance its lead program ITZ-DerMap™, a novel therapeutic designed for the treatment of onychomycosis (nail fungus).

€1.6 million of the round has now been secured, led by Lakeside Capital Ltd. Additional investors included Enterprise Ireland, The Boole Investment Syndicate and DeepIE Ventures. Sean Corkery, Director at Lakeside Capital Ltd, will join the ArrayPatch Board of Directors in conjunction with the investment. €0.3 million of previously issued convertible loan notes along with accrued interest also converted into equity in the company following the first close.

The new financing will enable ArrayPatch to accelerate the clinical development of ITZ-DerMap™, the first product emerging from its proprietary DerMap™ platform, towards clinical proof-of-concept. DerMap^TM is a pain-free microneedle patch comprising microscopic needles which are uniquely polymer-free and made entirely from the drug being delivered. On application of the patch, the microneedles penetrate the outer layer of skin, dissolve and release medication to the target site.  

“With this first close of our seed round secured, we are well-positioned to advance ITZ-DerMap™ into clinical development and bring a transformational treatment option to patients suffering from nail fungus,” said Dr. Waleed Faisal, Co-Founder and CEO of ArrayPatch.

“We are pleased to support ArrayPatch at this exciting early stage,” said Sean Corkery, Director at Lakeside Capital. “The team’s innovative approach to targeted drug delivery positions the company for a breakthrough clinical and commercial opportunity in multi-billion dollar global therapeutic markets.”

ArrayPatch Ltd was the winner of the InterTradeIreland all-island Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition 2025, winner of the 2023 IDEATE Ireland competition and Innovation of the Year at the 2022 Irish Pharma Awards.

About ArrayPatch Ltd

ArrayPatch is a biotech company based in Cork, Ireland, developing next-generation microneedle-based therapeutics. Its DerMap™ platform harnesses polymer-free dissolving microneedles to deliver therapeutic agents directly to target tissues in a painless and efficient manner. The company’s lead program, ITZ-DerMap™, is designed to address the significant unmet medical need in onychomycosis (nail fungus), with additional applications under development for skin cancer, diabetes, weight loss and migraine. ArrayPatch was spun out from University College Cork and has secured significant non-dilutive funding and industry recognition to support its development strategy. For more information, please visit www.array-patch.com 

Contact:

Dr. Waleed Faisal
Founder, CEO
[email protected] 

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2889917/ArrayPatch.jpg

SOURCE ArrayPatch Ltd

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 10, 2026 — BotGauge AI, a US-headquartered Autonomous Quality-Assurance-as-a-Solution startup that owns software quality outcomes rather than selling tools, has raised $2 million in funding led by Surface Ventures (New York), with participation from IA Seed Ventures (Berkeley) and Saka Ventures (New York).

The company will use the capital to expand R&D, strengthen its autonomous agents, and scale across the US and other key markets.

AI-native development has accelerated software velocity, with code generated, iterated, and deployed at unprecedented speed. However, quality systems have not kept pace, creating a risk gap leading to production defects and higher post-release costs. Closing this gap requires QA to become autonomous and self-scaling, operating at the same speed as modern software development.

BotGauge AI is a managed Autonomous QA partner that takes ownership of software quality outcomes. Built on AI-powered agentic testing, its AI QA agents identify testing needs, generate and maintain comprehensive coverage, and execute tests at scale across the QA lifecycle, with validation from in-house QA domain experts. This enables engineering teams to focus on building and fixing defects while BotGauge owns quality execution, coverage, and release reliability.

BotGauge AI was founded by Pramin Pradeep, Naresh Kumar Rajendran, Vivek Nair, and Sreepad Krishnan Mavila, who bring over a decade of experience in AI-driven test automation and enterprise QA transformation. Their combined deep engineering expertise, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and product-first execution reimagine QA as core infrastructure for modern software development.

Speaking on the fundraise, Pramin Pradeep, Co-founder & CEO of BotGauge AI, said:
“We’re entering an era where AI redefines reliable, high-velocity software engineering. The real bottleneck today isn’t coding, it’s outdated QA that forces teams to trade speed for quality. Our autonomous agents own the quality lifecycle, test discovery, generation, maintenance, and execution, freeing engineers and experts to focus on innovation and customer impact. This funding accelerates our vision: making autonomous QA the unbreakable foundation for ambitious software organizations.”

A significant portion of the funding will support hiring across engineering, product, and AI to advance BotGauge from early adoption to an enterprise-ready, production-scale autonomous QA solution.

Commenting on the investment, Gyan Kapur, Co-Managing Partner at Surface Ventures, said, “Building autonomous QA for a diverse customer base requires solving complex organizational and technical problems. The BotGauge AI team has the background, intellect, and discipline to solve these problems over time. As a result, we are excited to partner with BotGauge AI as they redefine QA.”

Early deployments with customers including Sully.AI, OroLabs, Kitsa, and Ripple show 80% faster testing coverage, ~75% reduction in production bugs, and release cycles shortened by up to 50% without expanding QA teams.

Over the next 12–24 months, BotGauge AI plans to deepen engineering capabilities and expand adoption among mid-market and high-growth software companies globally. Long term, it aims to establish autonomous quality assurance as a foundational layer of modern software development, enabling faster releases with reliability and production confidence at scale.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2890728/Botgauge_Cofounders.jpg

SOURCE Botgauge AI Private Limited

Midwest-based RIA steps into growth-stage capital leadership role typically held by coastal venture firms.

CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2026 — ARENA Private Wealth, a Midwest-based registered investment advisor with offices in Chicago, Cleveland, and Columbus, today announced that it played the lead role in a $230 million Series B fundraising round for Positron AI, a growth-stage technology company building energy-efficient AI inference hardware. The round values Positron at over $1 billion, achieving unicorn status, and was announced at the Web Summit Qatar.

The Series B was led by ARENA Private Wealth alongside Jump Trading and Unless, with strategic investment from Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Arm Holdings, and Helena, as well as participation from existing investors. Capital raises of this size and stature are most often led by technology-focused venture capital firms based on the coasts, making ARENA’s leadership role a notable departure from the traditional Series B playbook.

Rather than operating as a traditional venture capital firm, ARENA approaches growth-stage investing as an alternative capital partner. The firm positions itself as a bridge between private wealth and founders through an integrated platform spanning Private Wealth, Alternatives, and Capital Markets.

For ARENA’s investors, this model provides access to differentiated direct investment opportunities that are typically available only through large venture funds or institutional vehicles. Through ARENA’s relationships, diligence process, and ability to structure and lead transactions, investors can participate directly in opportunities like Positron, gaining exposure at a meaningful stage while remaining aligned with a disciplined, long-term approach to risk.

“Opportunities like this are rare, and that’s exactly why they can be so meaningful for our investors,” said Ari Schottenstein, Head of Alternatives at ARENA Private Wealth. “We say no far more often than we say yes, and when we do step forward, it’s because we’ve done the work to understand the risks and believe the opportunity justifies that responsibility. Positron stood out because the leadership, market position, and timing aligned in a way that allowed us to bring something truly differentiated to our clients.”

For founders, ARENA offers capital without competing interests and a fundraising option that operates outside traditional venture networks. In addition to capital, founders gain access to a broader and less homogeneous network, a strategic perspective informed by multiple markets and asset classes, and a collaborative partner focused on execution, alignment, and long-term value creation.

“As a founder, you’re used to thinking about venture firms and strategic investors as your primary options,” said Mitesh Agrawal, CEO of Positron AI. “What stood out about working with ARENA was their ability to show up as a true capital partner, bringing collaborative strategy, access to an expansive network of relationships, and a new perspective that helped us think differently about how we scale.”

“This investment reflects how growth-stage companies are opening the door to who they want at the table,” said Schottenstein. “Positron has shipping traction today and a credible roadmap ahead, and our role was to support that vision by showing up with broader investor support and alignment around long-term value creation.”

The Positron transaction marks an inflection point in the technology capital landscape, driven by rising investor interest in alternative investments. ARENA’s role illustrates how a modern private wealth firm can lead this next chapter as a relevant capital partner, stepping forward with conviction to source and shape opportunities, expanding the network of capital and ideas that support growth-stage companies.

About ARENA Private Wealth

ARENA Private Wealth is a Midwest-based wealth management firm offering an integrated platform across Private Wealth, Alternatives, and Capital Markets. With offices in Chicago, Cleveland, and Columbus, ARENA connects clients to differentiated opportunities through deep relationships, disciplined diligence, and a coordinated approach to long-term portfolio strategy. For more information, visit ARENApw.io.

SOURCE ARENA Private Wealth

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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., Feb. 9, 2026 — Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is reaffirming its commitment to excellence with a $50 million capital improvement plan for 2026 that is already underway. The resort will renovate more than 700 standard guest rooms, over 60 suites, and eight penthouses in the hotel’s North Tower, along with refreshing walkways and corridors. The majority of the capital improvement projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Additionally, the resort will expand its culinary landscape with several new dining concepts that include the anticipated debut of Sitar, an artfully designed East-Indian restaurant, with modern Indian cuisine, shaped by cultural influences and featuring Boardwalk views. The property will also welcome Philadelphia’s beloved Federal Donuts and Chicken, opening this Spring.

To further enhance guests’ arrival as they enter the property, upgrades are underway for new carpet installation on the casino floor and second floor corridor. Plus, the addition of 16 electric vehicle chargers have been installed at Rocktane Gas & Wash, and South Tower exterior restorations are also underway.

With a cumulative investment of nearly $700 million in the resort since 2018, Hard Rock Atlantic City has continued its ongoing commitment to guests through major capital improvements to deliver an exceptional experience. In 2023, the resort announced $50 million in capital improvements including penthouse suite renovations, the opening of a new high-limit slot parlor, a private helicopter, and a refresh of beachfront amenities.

Hard Rock Atlantic City continues to invest in its entertainment programming, reinforcing its position as the East Coast’s premier destination. The resort is proud to showcase A-list performers across its venues, including Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, Sound Waves, and the Vibe Stages. Exciting performances slated for 2026 include Rod Stewart, Nikki Glaser, Daniel Tosh, James Taylor, Charlie Puth, Ricardo Arjona, and many more.

“Our $50 million capital improvement plan for 2026 reflects Hard Rock Atlantic City’s unwavering commitment to reinvesting in our resort, our team members, and the Atlantic City community,” said George Goldhoff, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. “From redesigned guest suites and new dining concepts to world-class entertainment, and continued community engagement, these investments ensure we continue delivering an exceptional guest experience while honoring one of our four core mottos to ‘Love All, Serve All’.”

Hard Rock Atlantic City’s commitment to their team members has earned the resort a third consecutive USA Today Top Workplaces Award in 2026, solidifying its reputation as -one of the best places to work. Hard Rock Atlantic City’s steadfast commitment to community prosperity has been evident through strategic partnerships and impactful initiatives touching more than 500 local organizations since its opening in 2018. These efforts align with the company’s core motto, “Take Time To Be Kind” and focus on education, food security, youth development, and social equity, fostering economic and social growth in the region.

Hard Rock Atlantic City plans to continue executing these priorities and aligning these efforts with Atlantic City’s broader revitalization goals, further solidifying its position as a linchpin of the region’s economic and cultural resurgence.

About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
With the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has become Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination. The property features an award-winning gaming floor that offers -2,296 slots, -128 table games, and a dedicated Sportsbook. Boasting more than 15 food and beverage offerings, guests are able to enjoy fine dining at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Kuro, and Il Mulino, to casual fare at Hard Rock Cafe, YOUYU Noodle Bar, Sugar Factory, Flavor Tour food court and Fresh Harvest Buffet. The music-inspired resort offers guests a glimpse into the world’s most valuable and largest music memorabilia collection, along with services from Rock Spa® & Salon, which offers rhythm and music inspired treatments like the Soul Survivor Massage. With more than 150,000 square feet of meeting and event space, Hard Rock Atlantic City can fit any bill from intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences. For more information or to book your stay, please visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.

About Hard Rock®
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 80 countries spanning more than 300 locations including owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops^®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity™ by Hard Rock global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide.

HRI has received numerous industry, destination and workplace awards across the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment and food & beverage sectors. HRI currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.

Media Contacts:
Lizzy Moss, Cashman and Associates
(305) 431-4935
[email protected]

Sharon Pearce, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
(609) 449-5078
[email protected]

SOURCE Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Strategic investment accelerates Zoth’s vision to build the world’s first privacy focused stablecoin neobank for retail users and institutions

SINGAPORE, Feb. 9, 2026 — Zoth, a privacy first stablecoin neobank ecosystem building trusted, transparent & compliant financial infrastructure for the open dollar economy, today announced the completion of an undisclosed strategic round led by Taisu Ventures, with participation from Luca Netz, CEO & Owner of Pudgy Penguins, and JLabs Digital.

“Our decision to participate in the follow-on round reflects our continued confidence in Zoth’s execution since our initial investment. The team has made steady progress, with a clear emphasis on security, and we look forward to seeing how the company develops its longer-term strategy.”

– Takashi Hayashida, Managing Partner, Taisu Ventures

“Our continued investment in Zoth reflects conviction in their execution. Privacy-first stablecoin infrastructure unlocks markets traditional finance has ignored for decades. The team is building exactly that.”

– Aly Madhavji, Managing Partner, Blockchain Founders Fund

Strategic Alignment from Web3 Leaders

Joining the round, Luca Netz – CEO of Pudgy Penguins. Supports Zoth’s strategy of building a retail-ready brand anchored by its mascot, Zoctopus. With Luca’s expertise, Zoctopus is positioned to become the next rising IP, echoing the massive success of the Pudgy Penguins and building a strong community around Zoth.

JLabs Digital has joined as a key participant as it accelerates their strategic vision of building a regulated and compliant DeFi fund leveraging Zoth’s Infrastructure.

Empowering the Global South: Bringing Institutional DeFi to Everyday Finance

This strategic capital arrives as the demand for borderless, stablecoin-based financial services reaches an all-time high in emerging markets. Zoth is addressing the critical barriers to adoption, complexity, and privacy, by combining the high-yield opportunities of decentralized finance with the intuitive experience of a traditional neobank. By utilizing a “privacy-first” framework, Zoth ensures that institutional-grade security is accessible to retail users, allowing them to save, spend, and earn in a dollar-denominated economy without the volatility or technical hurdles typically associated with blockchain technology.

About Zoth

Zoth is a privacy-first stablecoin neobank ecosystem building secure financial infrastructure for the next era of global finance. By leveraging programmable money to deliver sustainable yields, seamless global payments, and frictionless everyday spending, Zoth is onboarding billions of non-crypto-native users across the Global South into a borderless dollar economy.

Media Contact:
Rushvi Sharma
[email protected]

SOURCE Zoth

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Feb. 9, 2026 — HTA and MedAxiom have opened applications for the 2026 HeartX program, a cardiovascular-focused healthcare accelerator that facilitates guaranteed hospital pilot projects and clinical trials for accomplished, early-stage companies bringing new cardiovascular innovations to market.

Applications for the 2026 HeartX cohort will be accepted until April 30, 2026, and selected companies will be announced in September 2026. The program is seeking companies in three categories: digital health and software, medical devices, and diagnostic platforms. Each selected company will receive $150,000 in investment capital and is guaranteed at least one pilot project or clinical study with cardiology practices in Arkansas and nationwide.

“The HeartX program continues to focus on what early-stage cardiovascular companies need most: meaningful access to providers and real-world clinical validation,” said Jeff Stinson, director of HTA. “By guaranteeing pilot projects and clinical studies with leading cardiology practices, we help companies move faster, generate credible data, and accelerate their path to market. We’re excited to open applications for the 2026 cohort and to continue our strong partnership with MedAxiom.”

“HeartX is designed to remove the biggest barriers facing early-stage cardiovascular innovators — access, validation, and scale,” said Joe Sasson, PhD, MedAxiom’s chief commercial officer and executive vice president of Ventures. “Through HeartX, companies gain not only capital, but direct engagement with leading cardiovascular programs that are actively seeking solutions to improve care delivery. We’re excited to see the next generation of innovators bring forward ideas that will shape the future of cardiovascular care, and we encourage visionary companies around the world to apply.”

HTA is in its ninth year of administering accelerator programs focused exclusively on provider engagement with early-stage companies and is entering its fifth year of partnership with MedAxiom to deliver HeartX as a premier cardiovascular accelerator.

More information about the program and the application process is available at HeartXaccelerator.com.

ABOUT HTA
HTA helps drive innovation for healthcare provider organizations through its accelerator programs and internal innovation initiatives. Its flagship accelerator, HeartX, recruits from around the world to support the most accomplished cardiovascular-focused startups in digital health, medical devices, and diagnostic platforms. Companies accepted into the program are guaranteed at least one pilot project or clinical trial with one of the ten largest hospitals and health systems in Arkansas. More information is available at HTA.health.

ABOUT MEDAXIOM
MedAxiom, an American College of Cardiology Company, is the cardiovascular community’s premier source for organizational performance solutions. MedAxiom is transforming cardiovascular care by combining the knowledge and power of hundreds of cardiovascular organization members, thousands of administrators, clinicians and revenue cycle experts, and dozens of industry partners. Through the delivery of proprietary tools, smart data and proven strategies, MedAxiom helps cardiovascular organizations achieve the Quadruple Aim of better outcomes, lower costs, improved patient experience and improved clinician experience. Learn more atmedaxiom.com.

For more information, contact:

Jeff Stinson
501.766.0633
[email protected]

SOURCE HeartX