Flatkey Raises $10M Series A After Surpassing 10,000 Developers in Two Months

The platform replaces a growing stack of provider accounts, credits and keys with one key, one balance and one invoice, at 60–90% of official list prices

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Flatkey (https://flatkey.ai), the AI infrastructure platform that brings models, tools and data together behind one API key, today announced that Flatkey and Realset AI have raised $10 million in Series A funding. The company also said that more than 10,000 developers have adopted the platform in the two months since its July 2026 launch, using a single API key and a single balance to access more than 100 official AI models and more than 1,000 AI tools. The Series A funding will go toward adding more official models and tools to the platform and scaling the infrastructure that routes developer traffic to them.

Flatkey is built as production infrastructure for AI developers, not a convenience layer. Every call is routed to the provider's official endpoint, and because Flatkey buys upstream capacity in volume, most models are priced at around 80% of the providers' official list prices, with some at 60% or lower as part of ongoing promotions. Developers pay less than they would going direct, and they do it through one key and one balance across models and tools.

Why It Matters: Models, Tools and Data Are Becoming One Layer

AI is shifting from answering questions to completing work. The agents doing that work depend on three things: the models that reason, the tools that act, and the data they act on. Each of those is fragmenting into more providers every quarter, and every provider adds an account, a top-up, an API key, a rate limit and an invoice.

Flatkey's bet is that these three converge into a single layer developers reach through one key. A production application today rarely depends on one model: it combines several models across text, image, audio and video and pairs them with tools such as search, browsing and data enrichment. A team using models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and DeepSeek, a video model such as Seedance, and a search and a browser tool would ordinarily manage seven or more provider relationships. With Flatkey that becomes one key, one balance and one invoice, and a new model or tool is a parameter change rather than a new vendor.

What Developers Get

- More than 100 official models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, DeepSeek, Kimi, GLM and others, plus image and video models such as Seedance. Every call is routed to the provider's official endpoint. Flatkey does not self-host modified or quantized versions and label them as the original model.

- More than 1,000 tools on the same balance: search, browsers, data enrichment, media generation and actions, with no separate billing setup per vendor.

- Simple pricing. Subscription plans start at $10 per month, and pay-as-you-go credits cover both models and tools on one balance.

- A one-line migration. Flatkey is a drop-in replacement for any OpenAI-compatible client: developers change the base URL and their existing code works.

- New models on release day. Flatkey adds new models through official channels as soon as they are released, so teams do not open a new provider account every time something new ships.

"AI development is becoming less about choosing one model and more about combining models, data and tools across text, image, audio and video," said Hunter Guo, founder of Flatkey. "If developers can reach all of that through one key, the platform stops being a convenience layer and starts to look like infrastructure. That is the company we are building."

Availability

Flatkey is available today at https://flatkey.ai. New users start with $1 in free credit and can continue with pay-as-you-go credits or a monthly plan.

About Flatkey

Flatkey is an AI infrastructure platform that gives developers access to more than 100 official AI models and more than 1,000 AI tools through one key and one balance. Headquartered in San Jose, California, Flatkey launched in July 2026. Learn more at https://flatkey.ai

Media Contact

Xingru Ren

Head of Marketing, Flatkey

+1 424 356 6176

[email protected]

https://flatkey.ai 

SOURCE Flatkey

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PEACHTREE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCED AS CO-OWNER AND EXCLUSIVE OPERATOR OF THE RAIL WITH FIRST SHOWS TO BE UNVEILED LATER THIS YEAR

LEXINGTON, Ky., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- National concert promotion company Peachtree Entertainment, in partnership with The Commons, has been announced as co-owner and exclusive operator of The Rail, Lexington's forthcoming state-of-the-art live music venue within the Commons Entertainment District, designed to deliver exceptional experiences on both sides of the stage. Peachtree Entertainment will provide operations, marketing, sponsorship. select programming support and more. Brand new venue renderings were also unveiled today as well as plans to announce the first wave of shows later this year followed by a grand opening in early 2027. Music fans are encouraged to visit theraillex.com and follow the venue on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, etc.) for all of the latest news, announcements and updates.

Located within The Commons, the 43-acre mixed-use entertainment district one mile from downtown on Lexington & West Main Street, The Rail represents a major investment in Lexington's future as it attracts visitors, creates jobs and supports local businesses. Beyond Lexington, the venue is located within a day's drive of Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Columbus, Knoxville and St. Louis. "Lexington's cultural and entertainment scene is experiencing great momentum. The Commons is expanding what an evening or weekend in our city can look like, and The Rail anchors that vision with exceptional energy. A venue of this caliber amplifies our regional entertainment offerings, encourages visitors to stay longer, and gives our local community a premier space to gather," said VisitLex President, Mary Quinn Ramer.

With a capacity of 2,200 guests and more than 1,000 seats for theater-style events, The Rail brings the scale, flexibility, and production capabilities needed to host national touring artists while maintaining an intimate, high-energy experience. The venue features six full-service bars, two outdoor decks, premium VIP spaces, an exclusive membership program, ample restrooms, and a flexible floor plan designed for concerts, club nights, corporate functions, special events, and private rentals.

Designed with both the guest and artist experience in mind, The Rail pairs top-tier sound and production with three dedicated dressing rooms, an artist lounge, and thoughtfully designed backstage amenities. Together with the dining, entertainment, and hospitality offerings throughout The Commons, The Rail delivers a complete destination for live entertainment and private events in Lexington.

"We are excited and honored to be involved in this revitalization of Lexington. Every seat, every sightline, every bar, and every common area has been intentionally designed so fans feel close to the performance," said Dustin Labbe, SVP of Booking for Peachtree Entertainment. "Whether you're on the floor, in the mezzanine, or in a VIP space, the experience stays immersive. The Rail, located within a day's drive of other major midwest markets, is an ideal routing stop for national tours. That means more opportunities to bring artists, and the economic impact that comes with them, to Central Kentucky."

"What we've always wanted The Commons to become is a place where people can spend an entire day, and now an entire evening, without having to leave. The Rail brings that vision together," said Daren Turner, Founder of The Commons. "People can come for a show, have dinner beforehand, meet friends for drinks afterward, and stay just steps away from the venue. That kind of activity and connection is what turns a development into a true destination. We believe The Rail will not only become the heartbeat of The Commons, but an important part of Lexington's growing entertainment scene."

About The Commons

The Commons is a 43-acre mixed-use entertainment district in Lexington, Kentucky, built on a former tobacco processing campus one mile from downtown, with an active rail line running through the property. Restored warehouse buildings and new construction house dining, retail, recreation, studios, and luxury short-term stays, connected by walking trails and a central greenspace. More than thirty businesses already operate on the campus. The Commons is developed by Turner Properties.

About Peachtree Entertainment

Peachtree Entertainment is a nationally acclaimed concert promoter committed to spotlighting rising talent. With over 15 years of expertise in the music industry, Peachtree Entertainment has earned its reputation as a leader and innovator in live music. As pioneers in identifying and nurturing new talent, Peachtree Entertainment has played a key role in launching the touring careers of artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Ella Langley, and many more. Beyond tours, Peachtree's portfolio also features major festivals and key partnerships with venues and universities across the country.

Peachtree Entertainment remains dedicated to shaping the national live music scene, continuing its legacy of significant influence and success. To learn more information about Peachtree Entertainment tours and events, click here, or follow on Instagram or Facebook.

SOURCE Peachtree Entertainment

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) is pleased to announce that George Guszcza, NIBS President and Chief Executive Officer, has been appointed to the National Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee (NCSTAC). This federal advisory committee provides guidance to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on carrying out its responsibilities under the National Construction Safety Team (NCST) Act, which authorizes investigations of building failures that result in substantial loss of life or pose significant threats to public safety. The committee's work helps inform recommendations that improve building practices, codes, standards, and public safety nationwide.

Dr. Guszcza leads America's independent, non-partisan, 501c(3), created by Congress to be the nation's authoritative source of findings and recommendations that advance innovation across our built environment, promote and protect the national interest, and bring together the public and private sectors of the economy for the benefit of all communities across the nation. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions in both the public and private sectors and has worked extensively on disaster recovery, infrastructure resilience, healthcare facilities, and emergency response initiatives.

"It is an honor to serve on the National Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee," said George Guszcza. "Understanding the causes of building failures and translating those lessons into safer design, construction, and operational practices is essential to protecting lives and strengthening our communities. I look forward to supporting NIST's vital mission and working with fellow committee members to advance building safety and resilience across the country."

NIBS has long supported efforts to improve the safety, resilience, sustainability, and performance of buildings and infrastructure. Through its programs, councils, and industry collaborations, NIBS brings together experts from across the built environment to develop consensus-based solutions to the nation's most pressing challenges.

About the National Institute of Building Sciences

The National Institute of Building Sciences, created by an act of Congress in 1974, serves as America's authoritative source of findings and recommendations that advance innovation across the built environment and safeguard lives, livelihoods, and communities across the nation. As an independent, non-partisan 501 (c)(3), the National Institute of Building Sciences promotes and protects the national interest, brings together the public and private sectors of the economy, and works with Federal, State, Territorial, Tribal, and local leadership and organizations to increase positive outcomes for all communities.

At the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), we bring together the public and private sectors of our economy and connect research, policy, and practical application to advance innovation across the built environment. Our mission is to create a safer, more resilient, and technologically advanced infrastructure that serves American communities and strengthens our nation's future.

Building American Innovation isn't just our tagline—it's our commitment because building innovation has always been the foundation of American innovation.

For more information, visit nibs.org or follow @bldgsciences on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE National Institute of Building Sciences

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LOCATED AT 4210 82ND ST, #206, LUBBOCK, TX 79423, this clinic opening marks 20 years of uninterrupted growth for the founder-led, Los Angeles–based company.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LaserAway, the nation's leader in aesthetic dermatology today announced the opening of its 232nd location in Lubbock, TX. The opening celebrates the company's 20th Anniversary which takes place this year and reflects two decades of continuous growth without a single clinic closure, a rare achievement in retail and the medical aesthetics category.

Founded in 2006 by Dr. Roy Winston and brothers Scott, Brock, and Todd Heckmann, LaserAway has evolved from a single West Hollywood, CA clinic into the largest nationwide aesthetics and dermatology company in the country. All LaserAway locations are privately owned and operated with no franchises. LaserAway's success was built on a simple but disruptive idea: that industry-leading, safe, and effective aesthetic dermatological treatments should be available for everyone.

"When we opened our first clinic on Sunset Boulevard, we knew there was a massive opportunity to make these treatments accessible to everyone—not just a privileged few," said Scott Heckmann, co-founder and CEO of LaserAway. "From day one, our mission has been to combine medical precision with modern convenience, giving people safe, effective results in a setting that feels approachable and empowering."

LaserAway currently operates in 36 states and all treatments are performed by licensed medical professionals (NPs, PAs, RNs). LaserAway's Chief Medical Officer is Dr. Will Kirby. Dr. Kirby leads LaserAway's Medical Board, which consists of a team of over 25 board-certified dermatologists.

The Lubbock, TX location, like all LaserAway locations, will provide a full range of non- and minimally-invasive aesthetic services, including laser hair removal, Botox®, dermal fillers, skin rejuvenation and body contouring treatments such as CoolSculpting® and Thermage®. It will also feature LaserAway Wellness Injections, administered by medical professionals to support safe, clinically monitored results.

For more information on the brand, please visit laseraway.com.

ABOUT LASERAWAY

LaserAway® is the nation's leader in aesthetic dermatology, offering customized treatments tailored to patient needs with a team of more than 25 board-certified dermatologists and 700 nurses in its 232 locations across the country. It specializes in a full suite of non- and minimally-invasive aesthetic treatments, including laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal, laser skin rejuvenation, body contouring, skin tightening, injectables, and skincare products. LaserAway is committed to providing high-quality, results-driven skincare solutions in a modern and welcoming environment. For more information, visit the brand on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, or at www.laseraway.com.

SOURCE LaserAway, LLC.

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SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST FOUNDATION TO HOST NATIONWIDE READY TO RESPOND TRAINING PROGRAM IN OCTOBER AND TO HELP SAVE LIVES: SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST AWARENESS MONTH

BETHLEHEM, N.Y., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of a growing national movement to raise awareness and boost emergency preparedness, the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation (SCAF) will host for the second year, the Ready to Respond (RtoR) nationwide program during October, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. In 2025, it hosted 97 events and trained a total of 8,891 people.

More than 84 events are currently scheduled across the country – from an art gallery to libraries to fire departments and schools among other settings – to empower people with the knowledge and skills to respond when seconds count. For a full list of events please click here, where local H.E.A.R.T. champions and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) survivors are helping bring lifesaving education to their communities.

SCA survivors along with SCAF national spokesperson Susan Koeppen, anchor, WPXI-TV/NBC in Pittsburgh are available for interview

(individual stories and additional background is available upon request).

Each year, more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States—and nearly 90% are fatal. With most incidents happening outside of a hospital setting, bystanders are often the only immediate hope for survival.

"Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time," said Gina Peattie, Executive Director of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. "But when people are equipped with knowledge and skills, they can make the difference between life and death. That's what the Ready to Respond campaign is all about – helping more people learn the facts, gain the skills, and save a life."

Participants will learn how to perform hands-only CPR, how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator), and how to respond confidently in an emergency. Events are free and open to the public and well as private for organizations and groups.

"This training could help save the life of a family member, coworker, or neighbor," adds Peattie. "Most cardiac arrests happen at home, and immediate CPR or AED use can double or triple someone's chance of survival."

About the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation

The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation (SCAF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness, supporting survivors and families, and saving lives through education, research, and community. Learn more at sca-aware.org.

SOURCE Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation

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The article outlines key differences buyers should consider when choosing vacant land instead of an existing home.

LEBANON, N.H., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What should you know before buying vacant land? A HelloNation article answers that question with insights from Real Estate Expert Vanessa Stone of Vanessa Stone Real Estate, LLC in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

The article explains that buying land can initially seem similar to purchasing an existing home. Both involve location, price, financing, inspections, and long-term plans. However, buying vacant land requires buyers to research what the property allows, what services are available, and what development may cost.

With an existing home, many important features can be inspected directly, including the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical system, and heating equipment. Vacant land requires a different approach because much of the information that determines whether a property is suitable for a buyer's plans is less visible.

The article identifies zoning regulations as an important starting point. Local rules determine how a parcel can be used and what types of structures may be permitted. Setbacks, minimum lot sizes, accessory building rules, and other restrictions can affect whether a buyer's plans are possible.

Physical characteristics of the property can also influence future construction. The article notes that wooded or sloped land may provide privacy and attractive views, but it can require additional site preparation. Wetlands, drainage patterns, rock, and steep grades can affect building locations and construction costs.

Soil testing is another consideration, particularly when public sewer service is unavailable. The article explains that soil testing can help determine whether a property may support an appropriate septic system. Testing may also reveal drainage or construction conditions that buyers should understand before making firm building plans.

Utility access can create expenses that buyers of existing homes may not face. Vacant property may lack convenient electricity, water, sewer service, or other basic connections. The article notes that extending electrical service, drilling a well, or installing necessary systems can add to development costs.

Road access deserves similar attention. A parcel may border a public road, rely on a shared private road, or require an easement across another property. According to the article, road access can affect construction vehicles, emergency services, snow removal, maintenance responsibilities, and everyday travel.

Financing may also change when the purchase involves undeveloped property. The article explains that land loans are intended for properties without completed residences and can differ from traditional mortgages. They may involve larger down payments, different credit requirements, or shorter repayment terms.

Lenders may also consider a buyer's future plans when evaluating land loans. Intended construction, utility availability, road access, and the expected development timeline can all be relevant. The article explains that understanding these financing differences can help buyers develop a more complete budget.

Property boundaries are another important part of evaluating land. The article notes that existing fences, driveways, trails, and landscaping do not always follow legal property lines. A professional land survey can identify parcel boundaries and certain easements or encroachments that may affect future improvements.

The article emphasizes that buying vacant land requires buyers to look beyond acreage, scenery, and purchase price. Real Estate Expert Vanessa Stone is featured as the source of insights on how zoning regulations, soil testing, utility access, road access, financing, and property boundaries can shape a land purchase.

Buying Land vs. Buying a Home: What Changes? Features insights from Vanessa Stone, Real Estate Expert of Lebanon, NH, 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 publications and innovative "edvertising" approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation

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Newly published by Palmetto Publishing, Concerning Catholicism presents a systematic, side-by-side comparison of official Roman Catholic teachings and Biblical text, written by a seasoned trial attorney and former Catholic.

CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Palmetto Publishing has released CONCERNING CATHOLICISM, a new work by William N. Howard, Esq. that places official Roman Catholic doctrine alongside Scripture in a structured, evidence-based format. Subtitled A "CathVangelical" Journey, the book draws on Howard's decades of experience as a trial attorney to examine questions many Catholics and Evangelical Christians carry but rarely explore in depth.

The book takes readers through key Roman Catholic source texts, including the Catechism of the Council of Trent and The Catholic Catechism, and sets their specific claims next to corresponding Biblical passages. Howard addresses major doctrinal topics such as the papacy, the sacraments, purgatory, and the role of Mary. Rather than offering opinion or polemic, the book adopts what Howard describes as a courtroom style presentation, laying out primary sources on both sides so that readers can weigh the evidence directly. Each chapter follows a disciplined structure rooted in the textual analysis methods Howard has refined across hundreds of legal cases argued in courts nationwide.

The central tension of CONCERNING CATHOLICISM is one of loyalty tested by inquiry. For lifelong Catholics, the question of whether inherited doctrine aligns with Scripture can carry deep personal and spiritual weight. Howard acknowledges this directly, framing the book not as an attack on faith but as a compassionate resource for those who have encountered doubts they could not resolve. The stakes, as the book states plainly, are not financial but eternal. For Evangelical Christians with Catholic family members or friends, the book offers a structured way to understand and discuss doctrinal differences without hostility.

CONCERNING CATHOLICISM is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

About the Author: William N. Howard, Esq. is a seasoned trial attorney whose career spans hundreds of cases argued across the country. He has authored thousands of legal briefs presented to state trial, appellate, and supreme courts, federal district and appellate courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court. His extensive body of legal writing also includes numerous publications, treatise chapters, and articles on a wide range of topics. This foundation of disciplined research, textual analysis, and persuasive writing uniquely equips him to tackle complex doctrinal questions with clarity and precision.

About the Book:

Title: CONCERNING CATHOLICISM

Author: William N. Howard, Esq.

Publisher: Palmetto Publishing

Publication date: 9/15

ISBN-13: 9798318840852, 9798318840869

Available for interviews: Author, William N. Howard, Esq.

SOURCE Palmetto Publishing

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Through its partnership with FHLBank Indianapolis, Mercantile Bank is continuing its commitment to supporting critical affordable housing needs by funding eight nonprofit organizations.

Key Takeaways

- Mercantile Bank is providing $150,000 in funding to eight Michigan nonprofit organizations through the FHLBank Indianapolis Community Multiplier Member Match Program.

- As the largest commercial bank founded and headquartered in Michigan, Mercantile continues to invest in addressing critical housing needs across the state.

- Grant funding will support affordable housing initiatives focused on housing stability, education, organizational capacity, and housing development and preservation.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercantile Bank is providing $150,000 in funding to eight Michigan nonprofit organizations through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis) Community Multiplier Member Match Program, supporting affordable housing initiatives that strengthen communities across the state.

The FHLBank Indianapolis Community Multiplier program helps member financial institutions support nonprofit organizations advancing affordable housing efforts through matching grants. Funding awarded through Mercantile Bank will support initiatives focused on housing stability, housing counseling and education, organizational capacity, and affordable housing development and preservation.

"Supporting our strong Michigan communities starts with addressing critical needs like housing," said Ray Reitsma, President and CEO of Mercantile Bank. "Affordable housing plays an essential role in creating opportunities for individuals, families, and neighborhoods to thrive. As the largest commercial bank founded and headquartered in Michigan, we're committed to supporting organizations that are helping expand housing opportunities across our state."

The following organizations, which collectively serve communities throughout Michigan, received Community Multiplier grants through Mercantile Bank:

- Blue Water Community Action Agency (Port Huron)

- Blue Water Habitat for Humanity (Port Huron)

- Fair Lending Services (Lansing)

- Methodist Children's Home Society (Metro Detroit)

- Opportunity Resource Fund (Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing)

- Samaritas (Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Detroit)

- Urban League of West Michigan (Grand Rapids)

- Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (Metro Detroit)

"Our nonprofit partners are addressing housing needs throughout Michigan, recognizing that each community's priorities are unique," said Sonali Allen, Community Development Officer at Mercantile Bank. "These grants help expand their work, whether it involves increasing housing stability, providing education and counseling, strengthening organizational capacity, or supporting affordable housing development. We're grateful for the opportunity to work alongside FHLBank Indianapolis to invest in solutions that help Michigan residents and communities succeed."

About Mercantile Bank 

Mercantile Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercantile Bank Corporation. Mercantile provides financial products and services in a professional and personalized manner designed to make banking easier for businesses, individuals, and governmental units. Distinguished by exceptional service, knowledgeable staff, and a commitment to the communities it serves, Mercantile is one of the largest Michigan-based banks with assets of approximately $6.9 billion. Mercantile Bank Corporation's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "MBWM." For more information about Mercantile, visit www.mercbank.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) @MercBank, and LinkedIn @merc-bank.

SOURCE Mercantile Bank

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This independent industry benchmark evaluates hundreds of leading convenience-store brands, ranking the top 100 across the digital capabilities increasingly defining the customer experience and AI readiness.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new national benchmark conducted by ResultStack, a team with more than 50 years of combined operator-side convenience retail experience, has evaluated hundreds of leading convenience-store brands to identify the 100 strongest digital ecosystems in the industry.

The Top 100 C-Store Digital Ranking is an independent, objective benchmark built around what an actual customer can see, access and experience. The research examines the digital capabilities increasingly shaping convenience retail, from mobile and loyalty to payments, ordering, personalization, rewards, partnerships and connectivity across the broader customer journey.

The results are coming to NACS 2026 in Las Vegas, where retailers included in the research will have the opportunity to privately see where they ranked, what drove their performance and what their results may reveal about the future readiness for AI adoption within their digital ecosystem.

Unlike rankings that focus on a single app, loyalty feature or digital channel, the benchmark examines the broader ecosystem and how effectively its components work together.

The objective is not simply to identify which retailers have the most technology. It is to identify which have built the most connected, capable and cohesive digital ecosystems, and what those ecosystems reveal about the business behind them, including whether the underlying digital foundation is ready to support AI-integrated workflows and business process automation.

The findings can surface indicators of AI readiness, expose digital friction that may be contributing to lost revenue or margin pressure, identify high-impact opportunities that can be addressed quickly, and help clarify where longer-term technology investment may be needed to build a more competitive digital operation.

In other words, the ranking is more than a score. It provides a starting point for understanding where a retailer's digital ecosystem is creating value, where disconnected experiences may be creating hidden costs and what should come next.

100 C-Stores. One National Benchmark.

Convenience retailers have invested heavily in mobile apps, loyalty platforms, payment technology, digital ordering and customer data.

But having those capabilities does not necessarily mean they operate as one connected experience.

A retailer may have a strong loyalty program while still creating friction between ordering and rewards. Another may offer advanced mobile features while customer data remains fragmented across platforms. A third may have invested significantly in digital capabilities without having the underlying connectivity needed to take full advantage of emerging technologies such as AI.

Those gaps can be difficult to recognize when each technology is evaluated independently.

The Top 100 C-Store Digital Ranking provides a broader view.

Each retailer is assessed through a structured framework designed to evaluate not only which customer-facing capabilities exist, but how effectively they connect across the digital ecosystem and support AI integration.

Industry Experience Behind the Analysis The research was conducted by ResultStack, whose team includes former C-store CIO and technology executives alongside software, data and AI professionals who have spent years building and transforming technology within convenience retail. "We built this analysis around the kinds of questions technology leaders in this industry are already asking: Where are we creating real value, where are disconnected systems holding us back, and in the age of AI-driven automation where can we create cost-savings and competitive differentiation," said Ben Farmer, CEO of ResultStack. "The goal was to give retailers a practical objective view of their digital ecosystem that they can actually use." That industry experience informed how the findings were analyzed and how individual retailer results will be discussed during private reviews at NACS 2026. Where Does Your C-Store Rank?

The Top 100 C-Store Digital Ranking will be available for private company reviews during NACS 2026 in Las Vegas.

Attendees from retailers included in the research can schedule a private 15-minute review to discover where their organization ranked, examine the findings behind the result and discuss what those findings could mean for their digital roadmap.

NACS 2026

Las Vegas, Nevada

Private Ranking Reviews: Central Hall, New Exhibitor Area - Booth C3375

October 7th - October 9th 2026

Reserve a private review: https://events.resultstack.com/

About the ResultStack

Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, with offices in Dallas, TX and Savannah, GA, ResultStack is a software and AI engineering firm that builds mission-critical digital infrastructure for large-scale enterprise operations.

ResultStack's technical capabilities span:

- Agentic Engineering

- AI & Machine Learning

- APIs & Integrations

- Application Development

- Data & Reporting

Since 2014, ResultStack has served as a long-term technical partner to some of the world's largest brands.

For more information, visit www.resultstack.com or follow ResultStack on Linkedin.

Research conducted by ResultStack.

SOURCE ResultStack

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Researchers are studying whether drones can deliver freeze-dried plasma directly to critically injured patients when conventional transportation cannot get them to a hospital quickly enough, a potential new approach to emergency medical care in warzones, disasters and remote communities

AURORA, Colo., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz are studying whether drones can deliver freeze-dried plasma to critically injured patients when conventional transportation cannot get them to a hospital quickly enough. The research, currently underway in Ukraine, has delivered the blood product to medical teams treating severely injured military personnel.

The concept represents a potential shift in emergency medicine.

"When a critically injured patient cannot get to the medical system quickly enough, how can you bring a critical part of that system to the patient? What we're trying to do is see if we can feasibly get blood products to individuals at their point of injury as opposed to waiting to get someone from the front line to a hospital," said Corey Bills, MD, associate professor in the CU Anschutz School of Medicine and a lead researcher on the project.

For decades, emergency medical teams have relied primarily on whole blood and conventional plasma products. Fresh frozen plasma must be kept frozen and thawed before it can be administered, creating logistical challenges outside hospitals. Freeze-dried plasma offers another possibility. Removing the water allows the product to be stored at room temperature and rapidly prepared for use when needed. The FDA has described dried plasma as potentially useful in battlefields, remote locations and other challenging settings.

From the battlefield to the disaster zone

The current research is taking place in Ukraine, where conventional evacuation can be difficult or delayed. Freeze-dried plasma, donated by global pharmaceutical company Octapharma, is packaged for transport and carried by drone to medical teams operating close to where patients are injured. The broader application could ultimately extend beyond warzones.

"The world is changing in ways that require a rethink of how emergency care is delivered when traditional methods are impossible," said Flemming Nielsen, Board Member at Octapharma and President of Octapharma USA. "Using drones to deliver emergency trauma and wound care in hard-to-reach places can reduce dependency on centralized supply and evacuation systems, and more importantly, help limit preventable deaths. We are proud to partner with CU Anschutz and the Ukrainian military on these efforts to build resilient critical care strategies for the future."

"Emergencies don't always happen within easy reach of a hospital. A wildfire can close roads, a hurricane or flood can isolate a community, and an earthquake can damage the roads and bridges needed to get patients to care," said Bills. "A serious accident in a remote area can leave someone hours from a trauma center, while a mass-casualty event can overwhelm ambulances and hospitals. When a patient is losing blood, those delays can become a matter of life and death."

The drone is not intended to replace traditional evacuation. Instead, it could provide another way to get a critical medical resource to a patient while conventional transportation is still trying to reach them.

"Resuscitating critically injured and bleeding patients is time-sensitive. Before the bleeding can be stopped surgically, rapidly providing blood products is the first line of defense that can be lifesaving. It gives the patient enough support to buy time to reach definitive care and maintains blood flow to vital organs to prevent irreversible damage," said Adit Ginde, MD, MPH, senior associate dean for clinical research and professor of emergency medicine at the CU Anschutz School of Medicine and also a lead researcher on the project.

Early findings

The first 26 patients studied were Ukrainian military personnel injured in combat, most with blast-related injuries and significant hemorrhage. Each received at least one unit of freeze-dried plasma. The team observed a significant improvement in the patients' shock index, a measure based on heart rate and blood pressure that can indicate clinical instability, after the plasma was administered. The 24-hour survival rate was 100% among the 26 patients studied. 

Researchers note that these preliminary findings do not establish that the plasma itself caused the improvement. The study is observational and outcomes in severely injured patients are influenced by many factors. The team plans to continue collecting clinical data, with a goal of studying over 100 patients, to better understand which patients and types of trauma are most likely to benefit from early access to freeze-dried plasma. While the current research is taking place in a warzone, the potential applications extend beyond the battlefield.

"We've spent years learning how to keep wounded service members alive when the hospital is far away, and almost everything we've learned has ended up helping civilians. This is the same pattern. If a drone can put plasma in a medic's hands hundreds of miles from a blood bank, it can do the same for a paramedic on a mountain road," said Vik Bebarta, MD, who chairs the Department of Emergency Medicine and founded the CU Anschutz Combat Medicine Research Center.

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About the University of Colorado Anschutz

The University of Colorado Anschutz is a world-class academic medical campus leading transformative advances in science, medicine, education and patient care. The campus includes the University of Colorado's health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado - which see nearly three million adult and pediatric patient visits each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, CU Anschutz delivers life-changing treatments, exceptional patient care and top-tier professional training. The campus conducts world-renowned research supported by $890 million in funding, including $762 million in sponsored awards and $128 million in philanthropic gifts for research.

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Contact: Laura Kelley, CU Anschutz

(303) 704-5222, [email protected]

SOURCE University of Colorado Anschutz

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