WATCH: Startland News Reports – Kansas City VC-Backed Companies
September 22, 2021 | Austin Barnes | News

Join Startland News for another edition of Startland News Reports as findings from its 2021 Kansas City VC-Backed Companies Report — a collaboration between UMKC’s Tech Venture Studio and Startland News — inform candid conversations with Kansas City-based startup founders and venture capital experts.
Austin Barnes
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.







