Steven Bartlett is a name that has become synonymous with entrepreneurial success, innovation, and media influence. Best known as the youngest-ever investor on BBC’s Dragons’ Den and the creator of The Diary of a CEO podcast, Bartlett has built an impressive career spanning multiple industries, from marketing and tech to publishing and venture capital. At just 32 years old, his net worth is estimated to be over £71 million ($90 million), a figure that has likely grown due to his continued investments and business ventures.
So, how did a university dropout from Plymouth go on to become one of the UK’s most recognized entrepreneurs? Let’s take a deep dive into his journey.
Early Life and Education: A Risk-Taker from the Start
Born on August 26, 1992, in Botswana, Steven Bartlett moved to Plymouth, England, at the age of two. His background was far from privileged—his Nigerian mother left school at seven and was unable to read or write, while his English father worked as a structural engineer.
His school years were marked by challenges, including his expulsion from Plymstock School during sixth form. He later attended Manchester Metropolitan University but famously dropped out after attending just one lecture—a decision that would pave the way for his business career.
Building Social Chain: A £200 Million Company at 22
Bartlett’s first venture, Wallpark, was launched in 2013 as an online student community, but it was his next move that truly defined his career. In 2014, at just 22 years old, he co-founded Social Chain, a social media marketing agency, alongside Dominic McGregor.
Social Chain quickly rose to prominence, working with global brands like Apple, McDonald’s, and KFC. The company leveraged viral social media content and influencer marketing to drive brand engagement.
By 2019, Social Chain merged with German retailer Lumaland AG to form The Social Chain AG, which was listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange with a market valuation exceeding $200 million.
In 2020, at age 27, Bartlett stepped down as CEO, choosing to focus on new opportunities. In 2023, the company was acquired by Brave Bison for just £7.7 million, though it remains unclear how much Bartlett personally gained from the buyout.
The Diary of a CEO: A Podcast Worth Millions
While still at Social Chain, Bartlett launched The Diary of a CEO in 2017 as a side project. Initially meant to be a one-off experiment, the podcast quickly gained traction, evolving into one of the most influential business and self-improvement platforms worldwide.
His guest list reads like a who’s who of global influence, including Boris Johnson, Simon Cowell, Gary Neville, and Michael Bublé. As of January 2024, the podcast boasts nearly 9 million subscribers, with a billion listens and streams across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Financially, The Diary of a CEO is a massive success. In 2021, Bartlett revealed that the podcast was generating $1.2 million annually—a number that has likely increased with its rising popularity.
However, the podcast has not been without controversy. A 2024 BBC investigation found that some episodes contained misleading health claims, particularly related to cancer treatments. Bartlett’s team defended the show, stating that The Diary of a CEO is a platform for diverse viewpoints, not an endorsement of specific medical advice.
Steven Bartlett’s Investments and Business Ventures
After stepping away from Social Chain, Bartlett turned his focus to investing. In 2021, he launched Flight Group, which encompasses:
- Flight Fund – Investing in startups within biotech, blockchain, tech, health, commerce, and space.
- Flight Story – A modern marketing company helping brands navigate digital landscapes.
- Flight Studio – A media production company designed to expand The Diary of a CEO brand.
Another major venture is Thirdweb, a Web3 development platform that helps businesses build blockchain-based applications. Co-founded with Furqan Rydhan, Thirdweb quickly gained traction, securing investments from Coinbase and Shopify. By 2022, the company was valued at $160 million, with over 55,000 users and weekly revenue exceeding $1.5 million.
Steven Bartlett on Dragons’ Den
In 2021, at just 28 years old, Bartlett became the youngest-ever investor on BBC’s Dragons’ Den. Sitting alongside Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, and Sara Davies, he has pledged nearly £2 million to startups on the show.
Books and Writing: Expanding His Influence
Bartlett is also a bestselling author, using his experience to help others succeed. His books include:
- Happy Sexy Millionaire (2021) – A Sunday Times Bestseller, debunking myths about wealth and happiness.
- The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life (2023) – Another Sunday Times No. 1 Bestseller, this book was shortlisted for The British Book Awards and was even distributed to UK prison inmates as part of an educational initiative.
His writing reinforces his belief in authenticity, self-awareness, and redefining success beyond just money.
What’s Next for Steven Bartlett?
With The Diary of a CEO continuing to dominate charts, and his investments flourishing, Bartlett shows no signs of slowing down. His focus remains on expanding his media empire, investing in innovative startups, and using his platform to inspire future entrepreneurs.
At just 32 years old, he has already achieved more than most do in a lifetime. Given his track record, it’s safe to say that Steven Bartlett’s £71 million net worth will only continue to rise in the coming years.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Steven Bartlett
Steven Bartlett’s journey from a broke university dropout to a multimillionaire entrepreneur and media mogul is nothing short of inspiring. His ability to identify trends, pivot when necessary, and build personal branding has set him apart.
Whether you admire him for his business acumen, podcasting success, or investment strategies, one thing is clear—this is only the beginning for Steven Bartlett.