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
Mogul of motivation: Paul Long channels hustle into finding what’s good amid COVID-19
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. As researchers race to develop a Coronavirus vaccine, Paul Long has his…
Think finding meat at the grocery store is tough? Try shopping to feed 100 people
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Three sold out weeks of curbside service are a sign of better…
Lattes by day, cocktails by night: Apogee climbs past obstacles for approachable escape (and pizza)
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Thirsty, COVID-wary customers won’t find apathy tucked away in a modern, outdoor-inspired…
98 percent more grit: Why one founder says women work harder for the same investment dollars
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. TULSA,…
Comeback KC: How a handful of corporate CEOs hope to reopen the city without a COVID-19 spike
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Collaboration between a local startup and dozens of area corporations could be…
Breakout KC escapes into virtual gaming with Zoom-based ‘Runaway Railcar’ experience
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Five years into its journey, Swell Spark has become a perpetual startup…
COVID-19’s cost to Silicon Valley could be Kansas City’s talent gain, startup leader predicts
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Economic disruptions in Silicon Valley and other major startup hubs could mean…
Just-launched Stenovate: COVID-19 will give court reporters, stenographers work for years to come
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. What the mid-pandemic launch of Stenovate lacks in revelry, it makes up…
Wichita VC backs two KC startups: ‘Great companies can be built in crazy economic times’
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Despite a global pandemic, Wichita-based Accelerate Venture Partners closed nearly as many…
Upper Crust bakery’s recipe for reopening: Embrace a sweet new piece of the retail pie
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Behind a rustic “closed” sign, empty display cases and a lonely pie…