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
Not high-growth or a tech startup? AltCap Your Biz $10K prize could be the boost you need
A $10,000 prize can mean a world of difference for the right entrepreneurial dream, said Davin Gordon. “There’s not a ton of opportunities for small businesses to not only pitch their business and go through that process, but actually have an opportunity to win some money,” he said. Entering its fourth year on the startup…
River Watch Beef envisions pure range of ‘farm-to-fork’ products delivered to your door
The beef industry is broken, said Chris Kovac, sitting just an ironic stone’s throw away from the historic Kansas City Stockyards. “We should all educate ourselves on what we’re eating and who we’re buying our food from,” the founder of River Watch Beef said, impassioned as he shared his concern for the health of consumers….
Digital Crossroads: Techstars sees hints of KC’s future in its history as a collision point of ideas
Techstars’ Oct. 11 programming during Techweek Kansas City finds inspiration in the past, Lesa Mitchell said, but it focuses on the metro’s future at a digital crossroads. “In the old days, it was called the crossroads because this was actually where all the trains were going through from Mexico to Canada, and east and west…
KCultivator Q&A: Lesa Mitchell talks eating eyeballs, remembering names, growing startups
Editor’s note: KCultivators is a lighthearted profile series to highlight people who are meaningfully enriching Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The KCultivator Series is sponsored by WeWork Corrigan Station, a modern twist on Kansas City office space. Growth is a daily driver, Lesa Mitchell said, but it can be limited by the environment around entrepreneurs. “If…
STEM education bill backed by KC Tech Council passes MO Senate, heads back to governor
Despite initial pushback, a bill that would broaden access to computer education in Missouri high schools, could be gaining momentum, said Ryan Weber. If passed, the legislation would increase STEM awareness in public schools and require districts to count computer science courses as math and science credits, the KC Tech Council president and an advocate…
Techweek dedicating Oct. 10 afternoon programming to diversity in KC business culture
A first-time programming track dedicated to diversity and inclusion issues is an intentional effort by Techweek Kansas City organizers to open a needed conversation about true representation in the city’s business culture, said Drew Solomon. The mid-point of the Oct. 8-12 Techweek KC event series is expected to feature an afternoon of panel discussions and…
ProfessionalChats founders on high growth: Don’t reinvent the wheel, just make it better
Entrepreneurship isn’t like Shark Tank, said the co-founders of rapidly expanding Kansas City startup ProfessionalChats. “I think people get confused in the Kansas City entrepreneurship community and they think they need to have an original idea that nobody’s ever done before and they need funding,” said Scott Hansen, co-founder, and CEO. Outside funding doesn’t necessarily…
Nickel & Dime supplement club relocates to KC, aims to disprove industry stereotypes
Startup nutrients like location, atmosphere and opportunity have proven the right dosage to lure another young company to Kansas City, said Ben Harris. “[Our move] allows us to ship two days domestically anywhere in the United States,” the co-founder of Nickel & Dime supplement club said. Launched by Harris and co-founder, Michael Giangregorio earlier this…
25th anniversary: Roasterie founder Danny O’Neill recalls humble start with just ‘nickels and pickles’
Brewed in a recession, Danny O’Neill wasn’t sure The Roasterie would sell a single cup of coffee, let alone percolate into an iconic Kansas City brand, the founder said as he reflected on the regional coffee titan’s 25th anniversary. “The only idea I had was coffee,” O’Neill said of his decision to jump ship from…
Reconciliation Services hopes to heal trauma in the heart of stigmatized Troost corridor
Commanded by Scripture, David Altschul journeyed into parts unknown, said his successor, Father Justin Mathews. In the mid-1980s, a philanthropic pull tugged at the heart of Altschul — a white, insurance salesman from Johnson County — and eventually led him into the distressed, history-rich neighborhoods that lined Troost Avenue on the east side of…