China is leading the fight against hidden car door handles
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/02/china-is-leading-the-fight-against-hidden-car-door-handles/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/02/china-is-leading-the-fight-against-hidden-car-door-handles/
TechCrunch
China is leading the fight against hidden car door handles | TechCrunch
Under new safety rules published Monday by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, cars sold in the country must have mechanical releases on their door handles. The new rules, which go in effect January 1, 2027, will prohibit the hidden,…
Elon Musk’s SpaceX officially acquires Elon Musk’s xAI, with plan to build data centers in space
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/02/elon-musk-spacex-acquires-xai-data-centers-space-merger/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/02/elon-musk-spacex-acquires-xai-data-centers-space-merger/
TechCrunch
Elon Musk's SpaceX officially acquires Elon Musk's xAI, with plan to build data centers in space | TechCrunch
The merger creates the world's most valuable private company and paves the way for Musk to try and prove out the usefulness of space-based data centers.
Waymo raises $16B to scale robotaxi fleet internationally
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/02/waymo-raises-16-billion-round-to-scale-robotaxi-fleet-london-tokyo/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/02/waymo-raises-16-billion-round-to-scale-robotaxi-fleet-london-tokyo/
TechCrunch
Waymo raises $16B to scale robotaxi fleet internationally | TechCrunch
Waymo said the funds will be used to fuel its growth, which has accelerated over the past year and doesn't appear to be slowing.
Fintech CEO and Forbes 30 Under 30 alum has been charged for alleged fraud
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/02/fintech-ceo-and-forbes-30-under-30-alum-has-been-charged-for-alleged-fraud/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/02/fintech-ceo-and-forbes-30-under-30-alum-has-been-charged-for-alleged-fraud/
TechCrunch
Fintech CEO and Forbes 30 Under 30 alum has been charged for alleged fraud | TechCrunch
The startup CEO says she plans to publicly address the charges this week.
India’s Supreme Court to WhatsApp: ‘You cannot play with the right to privacy’
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/indias-supreme-court-to-whatsapp-you-cannot-play-with-the-right-to-privacy/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/indias-supreme-court-to-whatsapp-you-cannot-play-with-the-right-to-privacy/
TechCrunch
India's Supreme Court to WhatsApp: 'You cannot play with the right to privacy' | TechCrunch
India's top court is investigating WhatsApp’s data-sharing model, monopoly power, and user consent.
Fitbit founders launch AI platform to help families monitor their health
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/fitbit-founders-launch-ai-platform-to-help-families-monitor-their-health/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/fitbit-founders-launch-ai-platform-to-help-families-monitor-their-health/
TechCrunch
Fitbit founders launch AI platform to help families monitor their health | TechCrunch
Luffu uses AI in the background to gather and organize family information, learn day-to-day patterns, and flag notable changes so families can stay aligned and address potential well-being issues.
TikTok recovers from dip in usage that benefited rival apps following U.S. ownership change
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/tiktok-recovers-from-dip-in-usage-that-benefited-rival-apps-following-u-s-ownership-change/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/tiktok-recovers-from-dip-in-usage-that-benefited-rival-apps-following-u-s-ownership-change/
TechCrunch
TikTok recovers from dip in usage that benefited rival apps following US ownership change | TechCrunch
TikTok usage dropped following ownership change, benefiting rival apps. But now, its numbers are climbing again.
What tech CEOs and executives have said about ICE’s actions in Minnesota
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/what-tech-ceos-and-executives-have-said-about-ice-in-minnesota/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/what-tech-ceos-and-executives-have-said-about-ice-in-minnesota/
TechCrunch
What tech CEOs and executives have said about ICE's actions in Minnesota | TechCrunch
The Trump administration’s approach to immigration has reached a level of violence that the tech industry cannot ignore. Here's how tech leaders are responding to the moment.
French police search X office in Paris, summons Elon Musk for questioning
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/french-police-search-x-office-in-paris-summons-elon-musk-for-questioning/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/french-police-search-x-office-in-paris-summons-elon-musk-for-questioning/
TechCrunch
French police search X office in Paris, summons Elon Musk for questioning | TechCrunch
The Paris prosecutor’s office announced that it is expanding a criminal investigation into X for alleged crimes, including the possession and distribution of child sexual exploitation material.
Lotus Health nabs $35M for AI doctor that sees patients for free
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/lotus-health-nabs-35m-for-ai-doctor-that-sees-patients-for-free/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/lotus-health-nabs-35m-for-ai-doctor-that-sees-patients-for-free/
TechCrunch
Lotus Health nabs $35M for AI doctor that sees patients for free | TechCrunch
This AI doctor is licensed in all 50 states, the startup says. The deal was led by CRV and Kleiner Perkins.
Agentic coding comes to Apple’s Xcode with agents from Anthropic and OpenAI
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/agentic-coding-comes-to-apples-xcode-26-3-with-agents-from-anthropic-and-openai/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/agentic-coding-comes-to-apples-xcode-26-3-with-agents-from-anthropic-and-openai/
TechCrunch
Xcode moves into agentic coding with deeper OpenAI and Anthropic integrations | TechCrunch
Xcode 26.3 offers agentic coding capabilities with Anthropic's Claude Agent and OpenAI's Codex.
Watch Club is producing short video dramas and building a social network around them
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/watch-club-microdrama-video-social-network/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/watch-club-microdrama-video-social-network/
TechCrunch
Watch Club is producing short video dramas and building a social network around them | TechCrunch
Watch Club will house microdramas and fan discussions in the same app, creating a fandom-focused social media experience.
Gradient’s heat pumps get new smarts to enable old building retrofits
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/gradients-heat-pumps-get-new-smarts-to-enable-old-building-retrofits/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/gradients-heat-pumps-get-new-smarts-to-enable-old-building-retrofits/
TechCrunch
Exclusive: Gradient’s heat pumps get new smarts to enable old-building retrofits | TechCrunch
Gradient's heat pumps fit in windows, minimizing installation times. Now, it is introducing software to make those units more intelligent.
Skyryse lands another $300M to make flying, even helicopters, simple and safe
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/skyryse-lands-another-300m-to-make-flying-even-helicopters-simple-and-safe/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/skyryse-lands-another-300m-to-make-flying-even-helicopters-simple-and-safe/
TechCrunch
Skyryse lands another $300M to make flying, even helicopters, simple and safe | TechCrunch
Skyrsye, now valued at $1.15 billion, is pushing to get FAA certification for its universal operating system for flight.
Homeland Security is trying to force tech companies to hand over data about Trump critics
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/homeland-security-is-trying-to-force-tech-companies-to-hand-over-data-about-trump-critics/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/homeland-security-is-trying-to-force-tech-companies-to-hand-over-data-about-trump-critics/
TechCrunch
Homeland Security is trying to force tech companies to hand over data about Trump critics | TechCrunch
The use of administrative subpoenas, which are not subject to judicial oversight, are used to demand a wealth of information from tech companies, including the owners of anonymous online accounts documenting ICE operations.
2026 plans: What’s next for Startup Battlefield 200
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/looking-ahead-to-2026-whats-next-for-startup-battlefield-200/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/looking-ahead-to-2026-whats-next-for-startup-battlefield-200/
TechCrunch
2026 plans: What's next for Startup Battlefield 200 | TechCrunch
Startup Battlefield 200 applications will open in mid-February. Join the iconic startup pitch competition by joining the mailing list.
Intel will start making GPUs, a market dominated by Nvidia
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/intel-will-start-making-gpus-a-market-dominated-by-nvidia/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/intel-will-start-making-gpus-a-market-dominated-by-nvidia/
TechCrunch
Intel will start making GPUs, a market dominated by Nvidia | TechCrunch
Intel has been bulking up a team to focus on this effort and will develop its GPU strategy around customer needs.
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The Minneapolis tech community holds strong during ‘tense and difficult time’
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/minnesota-tech-community-founders-investors-ice-response/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/minnesota-tech-community-founders-investors-ice-response/
TechCrunch
The Minneapolis tech community holds strong during 'tense and difficult time' | TechCrunch
Founders and investors in the Minneapolis tech industry told TechCrunch they've put much of their work on hold to help out their community.
India’s Varaha bags $20M to scale carbon removal from the Global South
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/indias-varaha-bags-20m-to-scale-carbon-removal-from-the-global-south/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/indias-varaha-bags-20m-to-scale-carbon-removal-from-the-global-south/
TechCrunch
India's Varaha bags $20M to scale carbon removal from the Global South | TechCrunch
Varaha's fresh funding is part of a $45 million Series B round led by WestBridge Capital.
Epstein-linked longevity guru Peter Attia leaves David Protein, and his own startup ‘won’t comment’
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/epstein-linked-longevity-guru-peter-attia-leaves-david-protein-and-his-own-startup-wont-comment/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/epstein-linked-longevity-guru-peter-attia-leaves-david-protein-and-his-own-startup-wont-comment/
TechCrunch
Epstein-linked longevity guru Peter Attia leaves David Protein, and his own startup 'won't comment' | TechCrunch
Attia co-founded longevity medical testing startup Biograph, which came out of stealth a year ago.
EXCLUSIVE: Positron raises $230M Series B to take on Nvidia’s AI chips
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/04/exclusive-positron-raises-230m-series-b-to-take-on-nvidias-ai-chips/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/04/exclusive-positron-raises-230m-series-b-to-take-on-nvidias-ai-chips/
TechCrunch
Exclusive: Positron raises $230M Series B to take on Nvidia's AI chips | TechCrunch
The investment comes from backers including the Qatar Investment Authority as demand for chips beyond Nvidia soars and as Qatar aims to build out its AI infrastructure.