Austin Barnes

Recent Articles by Austin Barnes

Medical device startup Forest Devices finds local fit with stroke detection tech

October 6, 2016

Editor’s note: This content is sponsored by LaunchKC but independently produced by Startland News.   Everyone who goes into medicine is motivated, in part, by their desire to reduce pain and suffering. That desire is what pushed Matt Kesinger to go to medical school. In 2009, Kesinger worked as an emergency medical technician in Boston.…

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Events Preview: Find Your Focus to Growing Your Business

October 6, 2016

There are a boatload of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter, or curious Kansas Citian, we’d recommend these upcoming events for you. WEEKLY EVENT PREVIEW Social Media Club Kansas City: October Breakfast When: October 7 @ 7:30 am – 9:00 am Where: Grand Street Cafe…

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‘Hustle’ and a heart: Beth Engel on the ethos of Dundee Venture Capital’s new fund

October 6, 2016

In a red, grid-lined journal, Beth Engel outlines a note in large block letters. With each stroke of her pen, “HUSTLE” grows bolder. As though to protect the musing, the venture capitalist of three years adds a box around the reminder before once again tracing over the word. Engel continues to sketch as she eloquently…

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Timely funding opportunities for Kansas City startups

October 5, 2016

Despite Kansas City’s recognition as a tech hub, its variety of incubator programs and array of successful startup ventures, the metro’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is still trying to fill the money gap. How can the community ensure that entrepreneurs have access the capital they need? Well, as KCSourceLink knows well, appropriate funding resources vary widely depending…

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Mobility Designed tackles a demand unaddressed since the Civil War

October 4, 2016

Editor’s note: This content is sponsored by LaunchKC but independently produced by Startland News.   Some technologies are slow to innovate. And crutches — which haven’t changed much since the U.S. Civil War — are a prime example. “They’ve pretty much been the same for decades,” said Liliana Younger, CEO of Mobility Designed. “Although there…

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Crema co-founder Dan Linhart: Effective company culture is more than just beer on tap

October 4, 2016

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the commentary are the author’s alone.  Collaborating with a team is the most rewarding aspect of my work. There is just something awesome about doing great work with individuals that are diverse in skill and perspective and are aligned with the purpose behind the endeavor. Getting to that point,…

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Two area startups still vying for $25K from the Kauffman Foundation

October 3, 2016

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation on Monday announced the top 15 finalists in the 1 in a Million pitch competition that are vying for a $25,000 grant — and two startups hail from the metro area. Kansas City-based The Grooming Project and Lawrence-based DraftPak both cracked the top 15 in the contest after beating out…

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Fund me, KC: Hidden Abilities offers high-tech pen to topple dyslexia

October 3, 2016

Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Hidden Abilities co-founders Payden and Jamee Miller — to share their stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Back Hidden Abilities’ product here.  Who are you? Jamee Miller and Miller, co-founders of Hidden…

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The Lean Lab fellows PledgeCents, Class Tracks win $25K

September 30, 2016

The Lean Lab’s education incubator program culminated Thursday evening with Launch[ED] Day, a demo day which saw two education startups walk away with $25,000 grants. Established in 2013, The Lean Lab seeks to build Kansas City into a world-leader in education innovation. The incubator’s five summer fellows each pitched their business at the demo day.…

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cash money

Angel investment trends with the Angel Capital Association’s Marianne Hudson

September 29, 2016

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the commentary are the author’s alone.  Kansas City is known for the Royals, great barbecue and recently-acquired tech firm EyeVerify. But it is also home to the headquarters of the Angel Capital Association . From its inception, the Overland Park-based Angel Capital Association has been led by executive director…

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