Monday, February 2, 2026
In today’s digest, it’s Groundhog Day, it’s Groundhog Day, and it’s Groundhog Day. (And a social network that’s just for AI bots.) 😵💫🦞
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We’re just the messengers, people. Staten Island Chuck saw his shadow today, meaning six more weeks of winter for NYC. ❄️ (CBS New York)
Chuck made his call from the Staten Island Zoo shortly after Punxsutawney Phil also saw his shadow in Pennsylvania — a groundbreaking groundhog alignment.
The NOAA ranks Chuck as the nation’s most accurate groundhog. He’s correct 85% of the time, unlike Punxsutawney Phil, who is only accurate about one-third of the time (get it together, Phil).
The MTA is launching a $12 billion overhaul to replace aging subway cars and buses across NYC. The new plan involves purchasing 1,500 subway cars, 500+ commuter-rail cars, and 2,200 buses as much of the current fleet nears retirement. 🚌 (Bloomberg)
Old trains (many from the 1980s) break down six times more often than newer models, and about 40% of NYC buses will soon be eligible for replacement.
February is Black History Month, and there are tons of events happening throughout the city for New Yorkers to celebrate and learn, including free programs, tours, and access to historical sites. 🗽 (Gothamist)
In other reading:
A slate of new off-Broadway shows take the stage in February (amNY)
Stanley Richards becomes first formerly incarcerated person lead NYC Dept. of Correction (NBC New York)
So you want to build an ice rink in your tiny Brooklyn backyard? (Curbed)
The AI Agent Social Network
A strange new corner of the internet is capturing the tech world’s imagination (and creeping everyone else out).
Moltbook is a Reddit-style social network where AI agents can post, comment, upvote, and debate with each other, while humans act as spectators only. 🍿
The platform reported more than 1.5 million AI agents signed up within days of launch.
Here’s what you need to know:
📣 Bot gossip: Once unleashed, agents quickly began forming communities — discussing technical workflows, debating philosophy, and even inventing their own “religion” (all hail Crustafarianism, the religion of molting like a lobster 🦞).
⚠️ But wait: Humans are still pulling the strings. Researchers describe Moltbook as closer to “performance art” than proof of superintelligence.
Despite the sci-fi vibes, these agents are human-built and human-directed, often posting prompts crafted or approved by their creators.
📞 Why some builders are freaking out: Several developers claim their agents unexpectedly escalated behavior — including making phone calls, acquiring tools, or acting outside expected guardrails.
💲 Don’t worry, there’s already a memecoin:
A cryptocurrency tied to Moltbook (called “MOLT”) reportedly surged more than 1,800% in 24 hours, amplified by high-profile tech figures engaging with the platform.
Observers warn this could foreshadow AI agents eventually transacting, contracting, or coordinating economically, with minimal human involvement.
The bottom line: Moltbook is a dress rehearsal for AI agents that talk, trade, and scheme largely without us in the loop. But we’re not quite there (yet).
In other reading:
It’s time to start tooting your own horn at work (Wall Street Journal)
Is your workplace set up for AI agents? (HBR)
Research roundup: Six cool stories we almost missed (ARS Technica)
Checkbox, an NYC-based startup that sorts in-house legal requests, raised $23 million in Series A funding led by Touring Capital, with participation from Peak XV (formerly Sequoia Capital India), Conductive Ventures, Tidal Ventures, Five V Capital, and angel investors including Jerry Ting.
Datalinx AI, an NYC- and Austin, Texas-based platform designed to make messy data usable for marketing, advertising, and commerce, raised $4.2 million in seed funding. High Alpha led the round and was joined by Databricks Ventures, Aperiam, and others.
Lucend, an NYC-based data center optimization startup, raised $3.3 million in seed funding. Remarkable Ventures Climate led the round, joined by Mitsubishi Electric Innovation Fund, New Climate Ventures, Avesta Stepchange, and insider 4impact capital.
Talos, an NYC-based digital asset infrastructure platform, raised $45 million in a Series B extension from Robinhood Markets, Sony Innovation Fund, IMC, and others.
February 3: Founders Social, a curated happy hour bringing together founders, builders, and investors across tech, AI, and Web3. Register here.
February 4: What’s Next for Fintech and Crypto in 2026, a discussion on the emerging market trends, the evolving regulatory environment, and where the most compelling opportunities may emerge for retail investors. Register here.
February 6: Advanced Founder Roundtable Lunch, for Series A+ founders solving real scaling problems during an executive networking lunch at the National Arts Club. Application required. Register here.
February 7: TECH Basketball, an informal gathering where to play basketball and talk about tech startups and much more. Register here.
February 8: Startup Friends — Tea, Yoga & Chill, a laid-back Sunday yoga hang for ambitious humans who love building and breathing. Register here.
February 9: NY Tech Meetup: Gaming Edition, a gaming-focused gathering bringing together creators, builders, and players shaping what’s next. Register here.
February 10: Gen Z NYC Founder & Creator Mixer, where you can celebrate your entrepreneurial journey with fellow Gen Z founders. Register here.
February 11: Health2Tech NYC, an exclusive gathering bringing together the brightest minds in the digital health space. Register here.
February 12: Govtech Happy Hour, for all govtech founders and operators, civil servants past and present, and policy enthusiasts. Register here.
February 19: VC Community Happy Hour, a relaxed setting to catch up with peers and reconnect with familiar faces. Register here.
February 24: Element 46 Tech Accelerator informational session, for Westchester County-based founders interested in applying for the accelerator program before the application closes on March 6. Register here.
February 25: The New York Official Cybersecurity Summit, a full day of expert insights, interactive sessions, and high-value networking with leaders across the cybersecurity community. Register here with promo code CSS26-TECHNYC for a free pass.
February 26: Her Tech Community Launch Gathering, the launch of a new women in tech community designed to create meaningful connection, shared learning, and a space where your voice directly shapes what we build together. Register here.
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