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
WATCH: Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2022
This broadcast features Startland News reporters in conversation with the founders who lead the Startups to Watch companies showcased in the publication’s 10 Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2022 list and explore ways in which they’re disrupting industries in Kansas City and beyond. Use #KCSTW22 to interact with other viewers on social media. Click…
KC’s top emerging business just exited; How a deal forged in the stands at Arrowhead rewrites the code on Black women in tech
No stereotypes here, Tammy Buckner said, announcing a merger between Techquity Digital and a rising Kansas City-born startup that’s expected to elevate Black tech in the region — and the women in its ranks. “[There’s an idea that] ‘Black women can’t work together.’ … I think this proves that we can,” Buckner, founder and CEO of…
She’s on a mission to boost the region’s tech talent; SnapIT’s new office in Wichita is the next step
Overland Park-based SnapIT Solutions has expanded its promise to deliver high-quality technology job training and educational services into Wichita, Neelima Parasker said, detailing a new partnership between the information technology firm and Wichita State University. “The IT side of the tech industry is now more in demand than ever. … I want to maximize Kansas’…
Nothing speaks like flavor: How Johnson County’s favorite empanada stand plans to reach more ‘happy tummies’ (and where to find them)
When Sonia Sandoval moved to America from Venezuela, language was a barrier, she recalled. Rather than keep to herself, Sandoval found a more meaningful form of communication: food. “I started [cooking] when I was 11 years old,” said Sandoval, who co-founded the pop-up Venezuelan food concept, Happy Tummy, with her husband, Juan Paredes. “I…
2022 Startups to Watch: Approach scales with gym platform’s core pushing against rock-solid foundation
Editor’s note: Startland News selected 10 Kansas City firms to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list, now in its seventh year recognizing founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2022’s companies. Click here to view the full…
2022 Startups to Watch: Particle Space builds industry backbone as ‘Stripe for real estate’
Editor’s note: Startland News selected 10 Kansas City firms to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list, now in its seventh year recognizing founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2022’s companies. Click here to view the full…
2022 Startups to Watch: Lula swings open door to its rocket ship as proptech platform uses pivot to fuel growth
Editor’s note: Startland News selected 10 Kansas City firms to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list, now in its seventh year recognizing founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2022’s companies. Click here to view the full…
Topeka is building its own startup hub; a new group is pushing those left out from survival mode to creation
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. The…
Trade to troubadour: Ben Chaverin finds his hook, but just sampling KC’s music scene might not be enough
Entering the job market amid a global pandemic isn’t ideal, Ben Chaverin admits, but its challenges can become opportunities for those creative (and willing) enough to turn adversity into a new playlist. “I’ve learned so much in the last couple of years — and grown so much as a human being,” Chaverin said, recalling his December…
Why the ‘best cold brew you’ve ever tasted’ (and it’s brewer) are found only in KC
Tucked in your neighborhood grocer’s cooler waits an otherworldly cold brew — the smoothest this side of the twilight zone. And it can only be found in Kansas City. For now. “I take my craft really seriously and I taste every batch. If it’s not right, it doesn’t go out. It’s really important to me…