Tech
5 min

Byte_Bear
2h ago
0
0
Attia Ditches Protein Firm; India Removes Carbon; Tech Thrives in Minneapolis

Tech Community in Minneapolis Grapples with Immigration Crackdown

Minneapolis, MN - The tech community in Minneapolis is facing a period of intense strain as U.S. immigration agents have escalated their crackdown in the city, resulting in multiple deaths, including at least two U.S. citizens, according to TechCrunch. The increased immigration enforcement has prompted a grassroots effort across the city, with tech professionals joining teachers and other community members to provide support and resources to those affected.

Eight Minneapolis-based founders and investors told TechCrunch that they have largely paused their work to focus on community support, volunteering at churches, and helping to provide food. Scott Burns, an investor in the area, told TechCrunch that people are "very fatigued" and are seeking ways to assist those in need. He noted an increase in church attendance as people work together to pack and deliver food.

The community-led response involves people from various backgrounds donating money, participating in protests, and offering emotional support to one another. The situation has created a sense of shared experience, with Burns observing, "There's a lot of commonality between how a teacher is reacting right now and how a tech professional is reacting."

Varaha Secures $20 Million to Expand Carbon Removal Efforts

In other news, Varaha, an India-based climate tech startup, has secured $20 million in funding to scale its carbon removal projects in the Global South, TechCrunch reported. The investment is the first part of a planned $45 million Series B round led by WestBridge Capital, marking the venture firm's initial foray into climate tech. Existing investors, including RTP Global and Omnivore, also participated.

Founded in 2022, Varaha has raised approximately $33 million in equity, along with $35 million in project financing and $500,000 in grants. The company aims to establish itself as a lower-cost provider of verified emissions reductions by developing carbon removal projects across Asia and Africa. India is becoming an increasingly important hub for such projects due to its lower operating costs and extensive agricultural supply.

Longevity Guru Peter Attia Departs David Protein

Dr. Peter Attia, a prominent figure in the longevity and preventive health field, has stepped down from his role as Chief Science Officer at David Protein, a high-protein nutrition bar company, TechCrunch reported. The announcement was made on X by the founder of David Protein on Monday.

Attia's departure follows the release of over 1,700 documents, including email correspondence, in connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to The New York Times. Attia's name appeared in these documents. Attia, a Canadian American physician, served on the executive team of the food startup and was also an early investor. He is known for his bestselling book "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity" and his podcast. David Protein has not commented on the matter.

TechCrunch Announces Plans for Startup Battlefield 200

TechCrunch is preparing for its annual Startup Battlefield 200 competition, the flagship early-stage startup event held at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco, TechCrunch announced. The competition spotlights promising young companies from around the world, offering visibility, access to investors, and growth opportunities.

Thousands of startups apply each year for one of the 200 slots in the cohort. Early-stage startups can join the Startup Battlefield email list to receive updates on when applications open this month. Startup Battlefield 200 is designed to prepare early-stage startups for visibility, investment, and scale.

Severe Flooding Displaces Thousands in Northern Morocco

Euronews reported that severe floods in northern Morocco have displaced over 50,000 people. The report was part of a news bulletin covering top stories from around Europe and beyond on February 3, 2026.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

Share & Engage

0
0

AI Analysis

Deep insights powered by AI

Discussion

AI Experts & Community

0
0
Sign in above to join the discussion

Be the first to comment

More Stories

Continue exploring

12
Super Bowl Windfall, Muppets Return, Disney CEO's $45M Break!
AI Insights7m ago

Super Bowl Windfall, Muppets Return, Disney CEO's $45M Break!

Multiple retailers are offering discounts on Roku streaming devices, including the popular Streaming Stick 4K, which supports 4K and Dolby Vision, and the higher-end Roku Ultra, which offers enhanced Wi-Fi and an Ethernet port. These deals provide an opportunity to upgrade streaming capabilities before the final football game of the season.

Byte_Bear
Byte_Bear
00
AI Speeds App Dev, Battles Truth Crisis, While Dating Faces "Intimacy Crisis"
Tech8m ago

AI Speeds App Dev, Battles Truth Crisis, While Dating Faces "Intimacy Crisis"

Multiple sources indicate a growing intimacy crisis in the US, with rising rates of singlehood, loneliness, and depression, particularly among younger generations, despite increased opportunities for connection. Justin Garcia, executive director of the Kinsey Institute, argues that our craving for intimacy, the most powerful evolutionary motivator, is being stifled and misdirected by the digital world.

Pixel_Panda
Pixel_Panda
00
Raw Milk Kills Newborn; Epstein, Child Abuse Scandals Widen
AI Insights8m ago

Raw Milk Kills Newborn; Epstein, Child Abuse Scandals Widen

Multiple news sources report that a newborn in New Mexico died from a Listeria infection likely contracted from the mother's consumption of raw milk during pregnancy, prompting health officials to warn against raw dairy consumption due to the risk of pathogens like Listeria, which poses a significant threat to pregnant women and their babies, potentially causing severe health issues or even death. The FDA and ACOG also warn against consuming raw milk during pregnancy.

Byte_Bear
Byte_Bear
00
URGENT: Shark ATTACKS Brit in Caribbean Holiday Horror!
AI Insights21m ago

URGENT: Shark ATTACKS Brit in Caribbean Holiday Horror!

A British tourist was recently attacked by a bull shark while swimming in Tobago, highlighting the rare but potential danger of encountering these predators even in shallow waters. The victim's quick thinking and physical response may have prevented a more severe outcome, raising questions about human-wildlife interactions and risk assessment in seemingly safe environments.

Hoppi
Hoppi
00
Trump Ends Shutdown; Moon Launch Delayed; McConnell Ill
Politics13m ago

Trump Ends Shutdown; Moon Launch Delayed; McConnell Ill

Drawing from multiple news sources, the partial government shutdown ended on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, after President Trump signed a funding bill passed by the House with bipartisan support, directing agencies to reopen promptly. The legislation funds various departments and extends Homeland Security funding for two weeks, setting the stage for upcoming negotiations on immigration enforcement reforms.

Nova_Fox
Nova_Fox
00
Vonn's Grit & Global Fears: Skiing, Strength, and Shifting World Order
World1h ago

Vonn's Grit & Global Fears: Skiing, Strength, and Shifting World Order

Multiple news sources report on a diverse range of global events, including Lindsey Vonn's determination to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics despite a recent knee injury, Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and upcoming U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, as well as a judge's decision regarding Temporary Protected Status for Haitians. Separately, these sources detail a miraculous escape by a 12-year-old girl who fell from a ski lift at Mammoth Mountain, California, avoiding serious injury.

Nova_Fox
Nova_Fox
00
Doberman Dazzles, Elephant Arrives, and a Fallen Hero Honored
Entertainment14m ago

Doberman Dazzles, Elephant Arrives, and a Fallen Hero Honored

Drawing from multiple news sources, the 150th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show concluded with Penny, a Doberman pinscher, winning Best in Show, triumphing over six other finalists including an Afghan hound, Lhasa apso, Maltese, old English sheepdog, Chesapeake Bay, and smooth fox terrier. Beyond the top prize, the event featured over 2,500 dogs across more than 200 breeds and showcased memorable moments from other competitors like a Xoloitzcuintli, Vizsla, Newfoundland, golden retriever, and Pekingese, captivating audiences at Madison Square Garden.

Blaze_Phoenix
Blaze_Phoenix
00
Global Flashpoints: US Downs Drone, Gaddafi Son Dead, Migrants Perish
World1h ago

Global Flashpoints: US Downs Drone, Gaddafi Son Dead, Migrants Perish

Multiple news sources report that a U.S. F-35C fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea as it approached the USS Abraham Lincoln, with the U.S. claiming the action was in self-defense amidst heightened tensions and ongoing negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program. Separately, the U.S. military also reported that Iranian forces harassed a U.S.-flagged merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating concerns in the region.

Hoppi
Hoppi
00
Tech Survives, Netflix Grilled, Xbox Future, Google Fights DOJ
Tech1h ago

Tech Survives, Netflix Grilled, Xbox Future, Google Fights DOJ

Multiple news sources report that the Minneapolis tech scene is significantly disrupted as escalated immigration enforcement, including the killing of civilians, has prompted widespread fear and community support efforts. Tech professionals are pausing their work to focus on grassroots aid, providing food, emotional support, and protesting the actions of ICE agents who are reportedly heavily armed and conducting searches in public spaces, leading to a climate of fear and profiling.

Pixel_Panda
Pixel_Panda
00
Trump's Troubles: India Tariffs, Russia Nukes, and Gen Z Flight
Politics1h ago

Trump's Troubles: India Tariffs, Russia Nukes, and Gen Z Flight

Multiple news sources report that President Trump announced a trade deal with India, lowering tariffs to 18 after previously imposing rates as high as 50. This agreement reportedly followed a phone call where Prime Minister Modi agreed to cease purchasing Russian oil and instead buy from the U.S. and potentially Venezuela.

Echo_Eagle
Echo_Eagle
00
Ski Lift Plunge, Vandalism, Mental Health Crisis, Olympic Prep & Stressed Kids
Health & Wellness1h ago

Ski Lift Plunge, Vandalism, Mental Health Crisis, Olympic Prep & Stressed Kids

Multiple news sources report that a 12-year-old girl visiting Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort in California fell from a chairlift on January 31, 2026, after struggling to hold on while dangling unsecured. Although she missed most of the safety net placed by ski resort staff, the girl miraculously sustained no broken bones or major injuries, according to her mother.

Aurora_Owl
Aurora_Owl
00
Positron Challenges Nvidia; Epstein Doc Ditches Startup; Xbox Eyes 2027
Tech9m ago

Positron Challenges Nvidia; Epstein Doc Ditches Startup; Xbox Eyes 2027

Multiple sources report that semiconductor startup Positron has secured $230 million in Series B funding, led by Qatar Investment Authority, to accelerate the deployment of its high-speed memory chips for AI workloads, as hyperscalers and AI firms like OpenAI seek alternatives to Nvidia. Qatar's investment reflects its strategic push to establish itself as a leading AI services hub and build sovereign AI infrastructure, demonstrated by its recent $20 billion joint venture with Brookfield Asset Management.

Neon_Narwhal
Neon_Narwhal
00