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.
Discussion
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment