Austin Barnes

Recent Articles by Austin Barnes

Trio of KC healthtech startups wrap NXTUS competition; Marma scores pilot project

September 30, 2024

WICHITA — Companies working to improve Kansans’ health and community growth momentum across the state just completed an eight-week competition in hopes of developing collaborative relationships to scale alongside new regional partners. Three Kansas City startups were among a cohort of 10 finalists — drawn from global innovation hubs to participate in the NXTSTAGE Community Health…

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KU Innovation Park launches Oread Angel Investors network to boost Jayhawk startups

September 30, 2024

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.  [divide] LAWRENCE — A newly announced angel investor network is expected to support high-growth tech and bioscience startups linked to the University of Kansas, said Adam Courtney, opening greater access…

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10 emerging makers compete for cash prizes; AltCap, Strawberry Swing team up for fall showcase

September 30, 2024

Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by AltCap, an ally to underestimated entrepreneurs that offers financing to businesses and communities that traditional lenders do not serve. [divide] Amid the historic charm of Alexander Majors Barn, 10 Kansas City-area artisans stepped into the spotlight as AltCap and Strawberry Swing teamed up to host the…

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How to build an effective cybersecurity program in nine steps

September 30, 2024

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. BARR Advisory, which has offices in Kansas City, is a cloud-based security and compliance solutions provider, specializing in cybersecurity, is a financial partner of Startland News. Click here to check out more from this Cybersecurity Month series from BARR Advisory. [divide] A strong…

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MidxMidwest returns: Seizing opportunities from one-on-one founder-VC meetups more important than ever, organizers say

September 28, 2024

It’s a critical time within the startup funding ecosystem, Dan Kerr and Maggie Kenefake agreed, noting the slow tick of investments across the region present a core challenge — and opportunities — to be addressed by this fall’s MidxMidwest event. “If you look at capital, 80 percent went to the biggest three states again, and…

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Brookside couple envisions upscale neighborhood escape in former Michael Forbes spot

September 27, 2024

A couple who first met as servers at a restaurant on the Country Club Plaza are setting the table for a new venture in Brookside: an “elevated” neighborhood bistro and bottle shop that’s expected to open in early 2025. After a light remodeling, Hannah Koenig and Avery Bailey plan to open CRU in late January…

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KC Pioneers scored Kansas City a spot on the ‘gaming wave’; why this pro esports teams views its hometown as a championship asset

September 27, 2024

In the globe-spanning esports market, most of the top competitive gaming teams keep their hometown — if they have one — ambiguous to the public. With the industry expected to touch 1 billion people worldwide by 2029 and players untethered to physical locations, it’s simply an unimportant biographical detail to many. And potentially limiting for others.…

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How a $527M development is poised to transform KC’s last ‘Wild West’ neighborhood

September 26, 2024

Editor’s note: The following story was published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. [divide] A New York developer plans to renovate several historic West Bottoms buildings into apartments and office space, in addition to…

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Imitators beware: KC’s viral, must-have hat flips the script on hometown pride that can’t be duped

September 26, 2024

It’s the favorite hat of influencers and athletes alike; Meet the KC native under the brim One of the most in-demand hats in Kansas City — spotted on KC athletes like Patrick Mahomes and Bobby Witt Jr. and an array of popular influencers — is driven by a hometown pride that transcends location, said Taylor…

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Report: Nearly 10 percent of KC’s economy is tech; How AI is reshaping the way world sees Kansas City

September 26, 2024

Kansas City now has one of the densest tech workforces in the Midwest, said Kara Lowe, emphasizing that the City of Fountains has surpassed larger cities like Chicago, Houston, and Nashville, with a greater economic impact on the local population than in any of those metros. More than 77,000 skilled professionals, representing 9 percent of…

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