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
Lenexa aerospace startup launches indoor drone that could kill Coronavirus with ultraviolet waves
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. While winds of change have plenty of businesses pivoting product offerings, Digital Aerolus…
Sinkers drops early as mini-golf kit for quarantined families; lounge concept still planned for P&L
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Construction on Sinkers Lounge might have been delayed, but that’s not stopping…
College athletics might be paused, but Esports is playing its long game (from home)
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Traditional sports are sidelined these days; a result of the…
What’s a local dollar really worth? Made in KC launches study to find hard value behind ‘shop local’ mantra
“Shop local” used to be a throwaway term for the owners of Made in KC. “We didn’t really know the true value of shopping locally. Spoiler alert: We still don’t know,” said Tyler Enders, co-founder of the local retailer and meca for makers looking to establish a distribution footprint. Now, Made in KC is cracking…
Nickel & Suede: With two stores closed, even Inc.’s ‘most successful’ companies must flex courage amid pandemic
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Being named one of Inc. Magazine’s 250 most successful companies in…
‘Bray of Sunshine’ during dark times: Zen Donkey Farms juices light from lemons
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. A few weeks ago, home delivery was just a quirky,…
Thou Mayest pivots away from panic: ‘Good goes so much farther than just bitching’
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Today isn’t payday for Bo Nelson. But he’s still roasting…
LEANLAB: Homebound KC students need $4.6M in tech, WiFi hotspots to bridge digital divide amid Coronavirus creep
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Kansas City has long talked about the impact of a…
Facebook-bound software engineer: Senior year at MIT ‘ripped away’ by COVID-19
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. A global pandemic and social distancing weren’t part of the…
No time for high fives: Grateful ChowNow sees somber sales surge as restaurants pushed to online ordering for survival
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Takeout, curbside, no matter the name, nearly 50 Kansas City…