Austin Barnes
Executive Editor, Startland News
Austin is a growth-focused business strategist with deep roots in media and storytelling. As executive editor, he leads Startland’s revenue generation, partnership strategy, and market expansion— aligning mission-driven journalism with scalable business models.
With over a decade of experience spanning media, brand development, and strategic communications, Austin has helped grow Startland’s reach beyond Kansas City, launching new monetization efforts and driving engagement with more than 700,000 readers each year. His work bridges entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable growth —positioning Startland as a national model for community-centered media.
Recent Stories by Austin Barnes
Confidence for dudes, wrapped in a robe: Luxee launches subscription box for mens wellness
Look good, feel good, and crush it, said Colton Ropson, unboxing the purpose behind his newly launched men’s subscription startup — Luxee. “We pretty much learn to shave and that’s it,” said Ropson, who co-founded the subscription box startup with his best friend, Alec Grawe. They duo described their perception of Midwest-raised men and those…
Former Army intelligence analyst deploys expertise, entrepreneurship to the Market Base
Editor’s note: The following is part of a three-part series spotlighting U.S. military veterans who also are Kansas City entrepreneurs. Hustle runs deep for Jannae Gammage, she said, looking back on the one thing that’s been uniquely hers since childhood: entrepreneurship. “My first business was at 14,” said Gammage, founder and CEO of The Market…
Startup veterans hope to save community banks from fintech ‘feeding frenzy’
The future of small business lending has arrived — and it’s being built by a team of Kansas City tech veterans, at a critical time for the industry, said Hugh Khan. “Small financial institutions are dying; they’re going away. Since the Great Recession, 40 percent are gone,” added Khan, founder and principal of Highploom. “They’re not…
Doctor-turned-marketer aims to help healthtech founders communicate the science behind their startups
Great founders and scientists aren’t always great marketers and vice versa, Dr. Meghan Burns said, detailing the COVID-era launch of her latest startup and its potential to help healthtech companies navigate a critical time for messaging and awareness. “There is a lot of value that a marketer with an understanding of science can add to…
Holiday cheers: Christmas pop-up bar back with pandemic twist; festive spirits return Nov. 6
There’s no stealing Christmas for local bar owners as they prepare to unwrap various holiday-themed pop-up experiences — despite a Grinch of a pandemic that’s upended sales for much of the year. Sippin’ Santa is expected to return to Westport-crafted Julep Cocktail Club as a reimagined, curbside pop-up next month, Keely Edgington told Startland News. “If…
Redivus Health earns ticket to Germany-based accelerator thanks to seeds planted by Plug and Play
Plug and Play promised regional connectivity when the international network of accelerators announced plans for a Topeka-based program, and it’s already paying off for one Kansas City-grown startup — before the Kansas accelerator even launches. “Don’t ever turn down an opportunity to meet somebody or be introduced to somebody — because you never know where things are…
‘Cabin fever is real’: No Vacancy books a hometown escape to your own personal hotel
In contrast to its neon name, No Vacancy offers plenty of room for staycationing Kansas Citians at its newly-opened Crossroads hotel — a cozy getaway for pandemic-grounded guests looking to recharge without the risk of travel, said Spencer Sight. “Cabin fever is real and this place has the ability to transport you elsewhere,” said Sight,…
From finding SARS in sewers to brewing better beer, InnovaPrep scales tech from KC cleanroom
As COVID-19 began to spread, InnovaPrep could almost immediately see the reason why — and it’s a realization that has gained the startup some serious traction, explained David Alburty. “All the puzzle pieces fit neatly in place for us. The high transmission rate without definitive contact was one of the biggest tells,” added Alburty, the Drexel,…
Guadalupe Centers gala, ofrenda pass from physical to virtual world; pandemic could reshape cultural traditions
It’s not a normal year, Alyx Bartrom said, acknowledging the obvious and embracing opportunities to innovate a more-than-30-year-old community tradition. “You have to either adapt or you get left behind,” Bartrom, director of fund development and marketing for Guadalupe Centers, said of the century-old non-profit and social service agency’s upcoming Blanco y Negro Awards Gala…
Spark MHK hopes to ignite innovation in an ecosystem often dominated by students, soldiers
MANHATTAN — An entrepreneur’s potential is anything but bite size in the Little Apple, Sarah Siders said. “I’m really excited to be able to do this,” Siders, executive director of Spark MHK, said in announcement of the recent launch of the Manhattan-based entrepreneurial support organization — which aims to ignite activity within the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem…