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
Historians, Mickey enthusiasts open the vault on plans for Walt Disney’s former KC studio
A dream for local historians, restoration efforts at the Troost office building once occupied by Walt Disney are finally coming true, champions of the project teased Thursday. Within the walls of the formerly crumbling brick structure at 31st and Troost: neglected stories of Disney’s inspiration and impact — along with plans to reanimate the space with…
Founders’ Lab aims to open access to the world of capital for underrepresented would-be startup, investment leaders
A pandemic-founded program has students leading the charge as a new generation of founders and venture capitalists rises together against the backdrop of an evolving and accessible Kansas City, Maggie Kenefake said. “With underrepresented founders, it’s really shocking,” said Kenefake, managing director of Kansas City University Venture Fund (KCUVF) and venture partner at Royal Street…
Sneak peek: Plexpod Flashcube offers glimpse into coworking’s future (Hint: It isn’t far from home)
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. Work, live, play, Stephanie Medina emphasized during a guided tour of the newest and most high-end Plexpod community yet. “We’re looking at how…
Partners in page turning: Sisters unwind with cigar bar-style concept for wine-loving readers
Sure, wine pairs great with dinner or sweets — but have you ever tried it with just the right book, asked Kansas City-born sisters La’Nesha Frazier and La’Nae Robinson. “If I’m reading a comedy, I don’t want something dark, something like a heavy red wine. I want light. I want something fruity, I want something…
HyperKC owner found freedom in KC’s ‘softest’ tee — and a new career as his own boss
If Kansas City has an abundance of anything, it’s wearable pride, said Dave Lindahl. “Charlie Hustle invented it,” added Lindahl, owner of HyperKC — a local apparel company that channeled the New York-transplant’s passion for KC into an all-inclusive brand that celebrates local artists and serves as a de facto welcome center for out-of-town visitors…
Chocolatier Christopher Elbow: Neighborhood favorites need KC support to survive 2020 (and 2021)
Hours before opening to hungry Black Friday customers, workers at Christopher Elbow’s Fairway Creamery were busy crafting decadent donuts and savory on-the-go breakfast favorites. Salted caramel gingersnap cake. Strawberry rosé and chocolate blackout yeast raised. Avocado toast with a sunny side up egg on top. The morning easily could go either way, staff members said:…
Shop small: Five clicks to KC-made creations you’ll likely only find online (not sold in stores)
Editor’s note: Startland News searched the web to find some of Kansas City’s rising products — sold largely online — as part of the newsroom’s five-part holiday gift guide that identifies locally made goods and supports the call to shop small. Click here to read the multi-day gift guide as it develops. When it comes to holiday…
Shop small: Five ways to wear (and wash with) KC pride from Westside Storey’s historic corner
Editor’s note: Startland News perused Westside Storey’s 1920s-era corner shop as part of the newsroom’s five-part holiday gift guide that identifies locally made goods and supports the call to shop small. Click here to read the multi-day gift guide as it develops. What began eight years ago as a boutique antique shop quickly evolved into…
Shop small: Five finds at Made in KC to help creators survive a ‘make or break’ holiday season
Editor’s note: Startland News explored the Made in KC Marketplace in Lee’s Summit as part of the newsroom’s five-part holiday gift guide that identifies locally made goods and supports the call to shop small. Click here to read the multi-day gift guide as it develops. A trip to Made in KC means a majority of…
Shop small: Five designer gifts at Kindred celebrating KC’s fashionpreneurs, winning vibes
Editor’s note: Startland News shopped Kindred’s Oak Park Mall store as part of the newsroom’s five-part holiday gift guide that identifies locally made goods and supports the call to shop small. Click here to read the multi-day gift guide as it develops. Local designers always have a spot on the rack within the Kindred Shops. …