VenHub Appoints Former Amazon Executive, Ian Rasmussen, to Spearhead Nationwide Smart Store Expansion with Focus on Strategic Partnerships and Enterprise Integrations

Rhea-AI Summary

VenHub (NASDAQ: VHUB) appointed Ian Rasmussen as Executive Vice President of Global Expansion and Partnerships to lead commercial growth, enterprise integrations, and strategic operator partnerships as VenHub accelerates deployment of modular unattended Smart Stores across North America.

Rasmussen joins after nearly a decade at Amazon Web Services, where from 2022–2025 he led teams deploying computer vision, IoT, and self-checkout systems for national operators; he will report to CEO Shahan Ohanessian and focus on revenue growth, operator onboarding, and scalable go-to-market execution.

Positive

• Hires Ian Rasmussen with nearly two decades of retail technology experience
• Direct experience deploying computer vision and IoT systems from 2022–2025 at Amazon Web Services
• Mandate to drive enterprise partnerships and scalable go-to-market across North America

Negative

• None.

Key Figures

Pre-orders: over 1,000 units Potential contract value: more than $300 million Patents in process: 20+ patents +5 more

8 metrics

Pre-orders over 1,000 units Aggregate potential contract value if fully converted

Potential contract value more than $300 million Pre-orders through June 30, 2025

Patents in process 20+ patents Smart Store-related intellectual property

Experience nearly two decades Ian Rasmussen’s digital transformation experience in retail operations

Price move 1184% 24h move prior to this article

Relative volume 2.61x Today’s volume vs 20-day average before this news

52-week range $0.25 – $40.30 52-week low and high before this news

Store uptime 24 hours a day Operating schedule of VenHub Smart Stores

Market Reality Check

Price: $6.42 Vol: Volume 352,162 is 2.61x t...

high vol

$6.42 Last Close

Volume Volume 352,162 is 2.61x the 20-day average of 134,936, indicating elevated trading activity prior to this news. high

Technical Shares traded above the 200-day MA, with price at 6.42 versus a 200-day MA of 0.59 before this announcement.

Historical Context

1 past event · Latest: Jan 30 (Positive)

Pattern 1 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 30	Nasdaq listing	Positive	+1184.0%	Direct listing on Nasdaq and disclosure of significant Smart Store pre-orders.

Pattern Detected

Limited history shows a single recent news event (Nasdaq listing) with a strongly positive price reaction aligned with the positive nature of that announcement.

Recent Company History

On Jan 30, 2026, VenHub began trading on Nasdaq via direct listing, highlighting its fully autonomous Smart Store model with multiple revenue streams from hardware, SaaS, and maintenance. The company reported over 1,000 pre-orders with potential contract value above $300 million and work on 20+ patents, supported by a Las Vegas headquarters for national expansion. Today’s executive appointment to lead global expansion and partnerships builds directly on that listing narrative and growth focus.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights VenHub’s effort to professionalize and scale its autonomous Smart Store...

Analysis

This announcement highlights VenHub’s effort to professionalize and scale its autonomous Smart Store business by adding an experienced executive to lead global expansion and partnerships. It follows the Nasdaq listing and disclosure of over 1,000 pre-orders with potential value above $300 million, plus work on 20+ patents and a Las Vegas production hub. Investors may watch for concrete enterprise partnerships, conversion of pre-orders, deployment pace, and any updates on intellectual property as markers of execution progress.

Key Terms

computer vision, iot, self-checkout, automation, +2 more

6 terms

computer vision technical

"he led teams responsible for deploying computer vision, IoT, and self-checkout systems"

Computer vision is technology that gives machines the ability to 'see' and make sense of images or video, turning pixels into usable information like object counts, measurements, or activity patterns. For investors, it matters because it enables automation, cost reduction and new product features across industries—from quality checks on factory lines to retail analytics—so companies that adopt effective computer vision can boost efficiency, reduce labor needs and create competitive advantages.

iot technical

"deploying computer vision, IoT, and self-checkout systems with national and global operators"

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes a network of everyday devices—such as appliances, vehicles, and equipment—that are connected to the internet and can share data automatically. For investors, IoT represents a growing trend that can drive efficiency and innovation across many industries, potentially creating new opportunities for growth and value. Its expansion influences how companies operate and compete in a digitally connected world.

self-checkout technical

"deploying computer vision, IoT, and self-checkout systems with national and global operators"

A self-checkout is a store station that lets customers scan, bag and pay for items themselves using a kiosk, much like using an ATM instead of talking to a teller. For investors, it signals trade-offs between lower ongoing labor costs and higher up-front equipment and maintenance expenses, while also affecting sales speed, customer satisfaction and theft risk—factors that can change a retailer’s profitability and operating efficiency.

automation technical

"advising on connected retail, automation, and cloud-based innovation strategies"

Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, often replacing manual work with machines or software. It matters to investors because it can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enable faster decision-making, potentially leading to higher profits and competitive advantages for businesses.

cloud-based technical

"advising on connected retail, automation, and cloud-based innovation strategies"

Software, data or services that run on remote computers accessed over the internet instead of on a user’s own device; think of renting storage, apps and computing power in someone else’s warehouse rather than buying and maintaining the gear yourself. Investors care because cloud-based models can lower a company’s upfront costs, speed product updates, scale quickly with demand and create recurring revenue, all of which affect cash flow, growth prospects and valuation.

robotics technical

"Smart Stores are fully autonomous retail units that combine robotics, automation, and mobile first technology"

Robotics is the design, building and programming of machines that can perform physical tasks autonomously or with minimal human control, ranging from simple mechanical helpers to complex intelligent systems. For investors, robotics matters because these machines can boost productivity, cut operating costs, and create new markets much like adding a team of tireless, precise workers; companies that develop or adopt robotics can gain competitive advantages and shift future revenue and expenses.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VenHub Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: VHUB) (“VenHub” or the “Company”), a leader in fully autonomous Smart Store technology, today announced the appointment of Ian Rasmussen as Executive Vice President of Global Expansion and Partnerships. Rasmussen brings to VenHub nearly two decades of experience leading digital transformation initiatives across retail operations and will lead the Company’s commercial growth strategies, enterprise integrations, and strategic partnerships as the Company accelerates the deployment of its modular, unattended Smart Stores across North America.

In this role, Rasmussen is responsible for driving revenue growth through enterprise partnerships, operator onboarding, and scalable go-to-market execution across key verticals. He reports directly to VenHub Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Shahan Ohanessian.

“Our Smart Stores are already operating in real communities, serving customers around the clock and delivering value every day, proving that unattended retail is not a future concept, it is a reality today,” said Ohanessian. “As we scale, commercial discipline and operational readiness will play a key role in our ability to achieve our growth goals. Ian brings deep experience turning advanced retail technology into repeatable, revenue-generating deployments at enterprise scale. His leadership will be critical as we execute on our strategies to expand our footprint with major operators and partners. I am excited to welcome Ian to the VenHub team.”

Rasmussen joins VenHub after nearly a decade at Amazon Web Services, where he played a key role in expanding Amazon’s Just Walk Out and related checkout technologies across the energy and convenience sectors. From 2022 to 2025, he led teams responsible for deploying computer vision, IoT, and self-checkout systems with national and global operators, helping retailers modernize operations, improve throughput, and scale new retail formats across multi-location portfolios.

Over the course of his career, Rasmussen has worked with leading global brands including Coca-Cola, Phillips 66, iRobot, Stanley Black & Decker, Philips Hue, BMW, Five Guys, Shell, BP, and Eli Lilly, advising on connected retail, automation, and cloud-based innovation strategies. He is an active member of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and the National Retail Federation (NRF).

“I am impressed by how the VenHub team’s vision and execution to date have addressed many of the challenges that traditionally slow retail innovation,” said Rasmussen. “VenHub Smart Stores are practical, autonomous retail technology that are already live and performing in real environments. As more national brands look to modernize their footprint and customer experience, I look forward to building the partnerships that will help extend VenHub’s reach and impact.”

VenHub Smart Stores are fully autonomous retail units that combine robotics, automation, and mobile first technology to deliver secure, unattended shopping. Each unit operates 24 hours a day without on-site staff and is stocked with hundreds of everyday essentials for fast, convenient, contactless access.

About VenHub
VenHub designs and builds autonomous Smart Stores that operate 24/7 without on-site staff. Each store combines robotic automation, real-time inventory tracking, and mobile-based checkout to provide secure, convenient retail access. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

To learn more, visit: www.VenHub.com

Safe Harbor Statement
VenHub Global, Inc. (“VenHub” or the “Company”), may make forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of the Company in press releases, presentations, conference calls or other communications. These statements can be identified by terminology that includes “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “foresees,” “forecasts,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” or other words conveying future outcomes or projections.

Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and beyond the Company’s control. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including but not limited to changes in general economic conditions, the Company’s ability to execute its business strategy, competitive pressures, unanticipated manufacturing or supply chain issues, compliance with regulatory requirements, and other risks detailed in the Company’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Nothing in these forward-looking statements should be regarded as a representation by VenHub or its management that the Company’s objectives or plans will be achieved. VenHub undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Media and Investor Contact:
Alyssa Barry, Director of VenHub IR / PR
Alyssa@VenHub.com
or
Richard Land, Alliance Advisors
vhub@allianceadvisors.com 

FAQ

Who is Ian Rasmussen and what role will he hold at VenHub (NASDAQ: VHUB)?

Ian Rasmussen will serve as Executive Vice President of Global Expansion and Partnerships at VenHub. According to the company, he will lead commercial growth, enterprise integrations, operator onboarding, and scalable go-to-market execution across North America.

How does Ian Rasmussen’s Amazon Web Services experience relate to VenHub’s smart store strategy?

Rasmussen led deployments of computer vision, IoT, and self-checkout systems at Amazon Web Services. According to the company, that experience maps to VenHub’s autonomous Smart Store tech and enterprise integration needs during national rollouts.

What are VenHub’s immediate commercial priorities under Rasmussen’s leadership (VHUB)?

VenHub aims to accelerate operator onboarding and enterprise partnerships to expand modular Smart Stores across North America. According to the company, Rasmussen will prioritize revenue-generating deployments and scalable go-to-market execution.

Will Ian Rasmussen report to VenHub’s CEO and what does that imply for strategy?

Yes, Rasmussen reports directly to CEO Shahan Ohanessian, signaling senior-level focus on expansion and partnerships. According to the company, this reporting line supports coordinated commercial and operational scaling efforts.

What experience does Rasmussen bring with major retail and brand partners relevant to VHUB expansion?

Rasmussen has advised and deployed solutions with brands like Coca-Cola, Phillips 66, Shell, and Five Guys. According to the company, this track record supports building national partnerships and multi-location retail deployments for VenHub.