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
Trio of KC fintech startups named finalists in Wichita-based NXTSTAGE pilot competition
Three emerging fintech startups with Kansas City ties have found new entrepreneurial support southwest of the metro. Griffin, Destiny, and Bellwethr were announced as finalists in the Wichita-based, NXTSTAGE Pilot Competition, Wednesday — an effort designed to propel early-stage companies to the next stage of startup growth, largely through mentorship and connections to companies and regional…
KCMO digital equity effort aimst to boost remote learning, work access for families, entrepreneurs
Economically distressed neighborhoods in Kansas City are at a bigger disadvantage than ever before, Rick Usher said, urging residents to combat digital inclusion as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend the way Kansas Citians learn and work. “Today, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing us to social distance in ways that include remote work and distance…
Ag giant Cargill teams with Plug and Play for new Topeka accelerator, set to debut in fall
TOPEKA — Corporate food and agriculture giant Cargill has inked a deal with Plug and Play to serve as founding partner for its animal health and agtech accelerator program in Topeka. The companies announced the news Wednesday, firming up details surrounding the launch of the long-awaited accelerator — first announced in September 2019 and originally slated to…
Yoli Tortilleria grinds success into perfect warm tortilla, opening retail experience in Westside
A new retail operation in Kansas City’s Westside neighborhood is a sign of massive growth, hot on the griddle for Yoli Tortilleria. “There’s nothing, for me, better than once you put that warm tortilla in your hands and just experience it,” said Marissa Gencarelli, who co-owns and operates Yoli with her husband, Mark. “There’s a…
Weed-destroying bots: Kansas startup scales chemical-free farming with fleet of four-wheeled doers
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. CHENEY,…
Mother Clucker set to reopen Friday; bringing heat with spicy chicken perched for nationwide expansion
National expansion is on the menu for Kansas City-fried fast-casual hotspot Mother Clucker. But the chicken with a cult following has one hurdle in front of it — getting to the other side of COVID-19, said Derrick Foster. “Right before the pandemic hit we got approved to become a national franchise,” Foster, the founder and owner,…
Brown Sugar Collective promises sisterhood of support, collaboration for women of color
When it comes to entrepreneurial support in Kansas City, women of color often are left out of conversations that could help them grow their businesses, said Ashley Rudd. “They don’t necessarily feel like their voice is heard,” Rudd, founder of the personal shopping startup She’s Thrifted, said of her experience within the metro’s entrepreneurial community and…
True State redefines cannabis for daily life: There’s more to ‘hemp’ than CBD, says Michael Wilson
Opportunities are high — but True State customers won’t be, joked Michael Wilson, announcing the launch of a new hemp-based brand and the one-time luxury watchmaker’s return to the world of consumer goods. “We’re trying to get to the point where people look at the word ‘hemp’ and they stop thinking about marijuana and realize that…
OP-baked Safely Delicious takes big bites of allergy-free snack market amid pandemic
Some of the most unconventional entrepreneur stories offer the sweetest flavors, said Lisa Ragan, detailing how diet restrictions and divorce combined to drive her deliciously disruptive Overland Park-based company forward. “You can’t have one foot in, one foot out,” Ragan, founder of Safely Delicious, said of what it’s taken to scale the allergy-friendly snack line…
Tea shop on Troost finds its flavor at the intersection of herbal serenity, cultural activism
Kansas City’s air is thick with revolution and restoration, contemplated Nika Cotton. “In the social and cultural climate, it’s really a time that people are rising up. The systems are changing. We’re talking about the abolition of police departments, the abolition of the industrial prison system — really exciting things,” Cotton said amid a flurry of…