Austin Barnes
Recent Articles by Austin Barnes
LISTEN: Startup bites into early cancer detection for dogs
On this episode of Startland News’ new Plug and Play Topeka founder podcast series, we meet Preston Williams — founder of ProPetDx — whose company is giving veterinarians a powerful new way to detect disease in pets before symptoms appear. From the spark of an idea to building high-definition diagnostics, our guest shares how science, data,…
LISTEN: How this musician-turned-startup veteran is scaling with a Kansas assist
Startland News opens its new Plug and Play Topeka founder podcast series with a startup that’s making recovery easier — one pup at a time. Meet Medipups, a company combining canine compassion with real innovation in animal health, and its co-founder Sebastian Doyle. Recorded live at the Plug and Play Animal Health & AgTech Expo…
Sand volleyball tourney for early-career professions works to ‘Spike the Stigma’ on mental health
Joining the workforce is no walk on the beach, said Mark Potts, but give him and his teammates a few hours in the sun and sand on a Saturday afternoon and it could be. “Nobody is on their journey alone,” said Potts, president of the Go Further Foundation, explaining the organization’s purpose and its goal…
VIDEO: How KC-built Engenious Design is scaling with stealth to atmospheric heights
Editor’s note: Engenious Design is a financial supporter of Startland News. This video feature was produced through a paid partnership. From life-saving medical devices to unexpected innovations taking orbit, Engenious Design — a white label manufacturing and design firm headquartered in Prairie Village — might be Kansas City’s best-kept success story, teased Chris Justice, principal…
Hack Midwest is back with $20K in prizes, space for tech talent to flex app-building muscles
More than prize money is on the line when Hack Midwest returns this weekend to Kansas City, Michael Gelphman said, detailing how the contest could ignite progress in the local tech ecosystem. “We can get people to think entrepreneurially and create new ideas,” said Gelphman, the competition’s founder, noting the power and potential of the…
That purple smokey eye? It’s a mask of confidence, KC beauty entrepreneur says
At first glance, beauty is a superficial industry, Alley Gage admitted, her reflection showing in a nearby mirror as she spoke about her decade-long career in cosmetics. The truth she’s learned about the industry — well, it’s a reality she isn’t willing to gloss over. “I’ve always loved the concept that a tiny jar of something…
Community Builders to Watch: Tammy Buckner codes new career path for teens, a ‘Scouts’ for technology
Editor’s note: Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City changemakers from five local organizations through its second annual Community Builders to Watch series. The following highlights one of the 2022 honorees, selected from more than 100 initial nominees. Click here to view the full list of Community Builders to Watch — presented by Engenious Design. Tammy…
Alchemy Sandbox awards 5 more grants: Lean into failure to make your business ‘worthy to win’
Success isn’t always immediate, Elaina Paige Thomas said, grateful for lessons learned through trial and error, as well as a firm belief that persistence pays off. “What I originally thought my business needed was not seen as a necessity to my panel of judges,” said Thomas, founder of The Next Paige Agency, recalling an experience…
‘HERstory’ roundtable distills women entrepreneur’s restless spirits into June 4 celebration
When women are at the helm, there’s herstory to be made. A new Kansas City-based conference hopes to showcase it. “The Sewing Labs proudly presents, Make’n HERstory, a celebration of women who use their creative muse to make a living and a life,” the nonprofit organization said, teasing its Saturday, June 4 conference experience. The…