Steven Bartlett is a British entrepreneur, investor, and media personality best known as the host of The Diary of a CEO podcast and the youngest-ever investor on Dragon’s Den. With an estimated net worth of over £71 million at the age of 26—according to Forbes—his wealth has likely grown substantially due to his numerous business ventures, investments, and the continued success of his podcast. At 32 years old, Bartlett remains a formidable force in the business and media world.
Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Born in Botswana in 1992, Steven Bartlett moved to Plymouth, England, at the age of two. His entrepreneurial mindset emerged early in life, and in 2010, he enrolled at Manchester Metropolitan University. However, traditional education was not for him—he dropped out in his first year to focus on launching his first business venture.
In 2013, Bartlett founded Wallpark, an online messaging board designed for students to share events, buy and sell textbooks, and connect with their peers. Though Wallpark was short-lived, it provided him with valuable business experience, leading him to co-found Social Chain with Dominic McGregor in 2014.
The Rise of Social Chain
At just 22 years old, Bartlett co-founded Social Chain, a marketing agency specializing in social media influence. The company quickly gained traction, working with major global brands such as Apple, McDonald’s, and KFC. By the time Bartlett was 23, he had already reached millionaire status.
In 2019, Social Chain merged with German online retailer Lumaland AG and was publicly listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the name The Social Chain AG. The company’s market valuation surpassed $200 million. However, in 2020, at the age of 27, Bartlett made the surprising decision to step down as co-CEO to explore new ventures.
In 2023, Brave Bison acquired The Social Chain AG in a £7.7 million deal. It remains unclear if Bartlett benefited financially from this acquisition, as he had already stepped away from the company.
The Diary of a CEO: Podcast Success and Global Reach
Bartlett’s move away from Social Chain made room for The Diary of a CEO, a podcast he started while still running the agency. What began as an experimental passion project quickly became one of the most successful business and self-improvement podcasts in the world.
The Diary of a CEO has featured high-profile guests, including Boris Johnson, Simon Cowell, Gary Neville, and Michael Bublé. By early 2025, the podcast had amassed over 8.96 million subscribers and hit one billion streams across Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, making it the first UK-produced podcast to reach this milestone.
In 2021, Bartlett revealed that his podcast was generating $1.2 million in revenue. His ability to leverage personal branding has played a key role in its ongoing success, as his interviews provide deep insights into business, personal growth, and relationships.
Books and Publishing Success
Bartlett extended his media influence by venturing into publishing. His first book, Happy Sexy Millionaire (2021), became a Sunday Times bestseller. In 2023, he followed up with The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life, which also reached No.1 on the Sunday Times bestseller list.
His books have been widely praised for their practical advice on entrepreneurship and self-development. Additionally, Bartlett partnered with the UK Prison Service to distribute copies of his book to inmates, aiming to inspire and educate them about financial and personal growth.
Controversies and Media Scrutiny
Despite his success, The Diary of a CEO has faced controversy. A BBC World Service investigation found that some podcast episodes amplified misleading health information, particularly regarding cancer treatment. The analysis of 15 episodes claimed that each contained around 14 scientifically unverified statements.
Bartlett’s production company, Flight Studio, defended the podcast, stating that it provides a platform for diverse viewpoints and is thoroughly researched before commissioning episodes. The backlash highlighted the responsibilities of influential media personalities in disseminating accurate information.
Investments and Business Ventures
After stepping away from Social Chain, Bartlett focused heavily on investments. In 2021, he co-founded Thirdweb, a software platform designed to help entrepreneurs build and manage Web3 applications. Backed by Coinbase and Shopify, Thirdweb was valued at $160 million in 2022, with over 55,000 users and weekly revenue exceeding $1.5 million.
Bartlett also co-founded Flight Group, an investment firm focusing on biotech, blockchain, technology, health, and commerce. Flight Group is divided into three divisions:
- Flight Fund: An investment fund supporting innovative startups.
- Flight Story: A marketing and PR firm.
- Flight Studio: A content production company extending the success of The Diary of a CEO into other media ventures.
Despite the success of Thirdweb and Flight Group, Bartlett’s investments have faced criticism for transparency issues, particularly within crowdfunding forums.
Steven Bartlett on Dragon’s Den
In 2021, at just 28 years old, Bartlett became the youngest-ever investor on Dragon’s Den, the UK’s version of Shark Tank. He joined seasoned investors such as Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, and Sara Davies. His youthful energy, modern approach to business, and firsthand knowledge of digital marketing brought a fresh perspective to the show.
Since joining Dragon’s Den, Bartlett has pledged nearly £2 million in investments. His keen eye for disruptive businesses and his ability to mentor young entrepreneurs have made him a standout on the panel.
Net Worth and Financial Growth
While an exact figure for Bartlett’s current net worth is difficult to determine, estimates suggest it has grown significantly beyond the £71 million he was reported to have at 26. His revenue streams include podcast earnings, book sales, investments, and business ventures, making him one of the most successful young entrepreneurs in the UK.