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 Articles by Austin Barnes
Checkmate: Inventors’ high-tech chess board unlocks worthy opponent for rookies to rooks
An Overland Park-built connected gaming startup is making moves that run the queen’s gambit — approaching nearly $1 million in crowdfunding and unveiling its mission to make STEM-focused games more approachable. “I think a lot of kids and adults lose interest right away in something like a Rubik’s cube or chess — because it’s difficult,” explained Jeff…
Not all entrepreneurs wear capes: Chamber’s ‘Superstars’ campaign unmasks heroes of KC business scene
A critical need is driving changes to one of Kansas City’s longest-running annual business events: support for every small business — no matter their scale or the neighborhoods in which they belong. “This is a time like no other,” explained Vicky Kulikov, small business director for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, detailing changes to…
Beyond brownies: Chef turns to creativity-infused edibles; bake shop’s high blunted by social media blackout
When James Ryan’s mother holds a piece of paper, it trembles lightly in her hands. “Helping her is what got me going,” Ryan said, opening up about the experience of his mother, Linda San Juan, with a mild neurological condition, and ways it pushed him to find an entrepreneurial solution that could help ease her…
Checking out at home? Hotel Kansas City launches in-room remote working (and an exclusive KC bourbon)
One of Kansas City’s newest luxury hotels is ringing the service bell on a mid-pandemic professional getaway option, unpacking a plan to fill empty rooms with remote workers looking for a break in their COVID-19-restricted routines. And maybe a sip or two of a “resurrected” Kansas City bourbon blend. Hyatt-owned Hotel Kansas City has unveiled…
Bippity, boppity boon for Disney pin collectors: Family uses tech expertise to build trinket trading platform
What might look like nothing more than tiny pieces of artwork pinned on a lanyard or to a jacket has become an unexpected livelihood for Jenn Nickols and her Kansas City-raised family of Disney fanatics. “We went to Disneyland and we discovered pin trading in the parks,” Nickols said of the unique hobby. Over the…
We Got It Covered: LaRonda LaNear feeds her soul (and yours) in a world catered to men
LaRonda LaNear was tired of the working world’s status quo. “I’ve always hated authority and it’s always been men in power, telling me what to do — and it never made sense,” she joked, shedding light on a real problem that robbed her of joy nearly every shift at every job she held. “I took that…
Outside routine: KCK native’s Urban Hikes reveal unseen Kansas City hidden in plain sight
Traditional paths aren’t for Lisa Peña — and her latest business venture (or adventure) is proof, aiming to show Kansas Citians on both sides of the state line an unfiltered version of two cities they might think they already know. “It really perpetuates getting to know your city more,” Peña, founder of Urban Hikes KC, said…
Play ball! Dietician brings protein-packed treats from her kitchen to the big leagues (and she has the World Series ring to prove it)
As simplyFUEL launches on the shelves of local Costco stores this week, the Kansas City-rolled brand of energy balls is offering customers more than a healthy option for snacking. The woman-led company instead symbolizes a commitment to nutrition that helped fuel the Kansas City Royals through a historic World Series run and scored a health…
AI-powered Particle Space detects product validation with Liberty Mutual integration
A new partnership between Liberty Mutual Insurance and Kansas City-built Particle Space is expected to create an entirely new service, the proptech startup announced this week. The collaboration sees Liberty Mutual provide tenants with easily-accessible quotes for renters insurance within Particle Space’s artificial intelligence-backed building and property management platform. “It’s now even easier for property…
Doctors gave DJ Stewart 18 months to live; His response: Build a pro wrestling stable strong enough to celebrate LGBT, BIPOC athletes
A new era has entered the ring as an entrepreneur fights to bring inclusivity to Kansas City’s legacy-rich professional wrestling community — in the midst of an all-out brawl in his own battle against Stage 4 brain cancer. “Everyone is welcome at our shows,” said DJ Stewart, owner of Journey Pro KC, describing the wrestling and…