Steven Bartlett, born in Botswana in 1992 and raised in Plymouth, England, is a quintessential example of a self-made entrepreneur. By leveraging his marketing acumen, relentless drive, and innovative ideas, Bartlett reached millionaire status in his mid-twenties and continues to expand his influence across multiple industries. While his exact net worth isn’t publicly confirmed, Forbes reported it was around £71 million when he was just 26 years old. Given his growing ventures and achievements, this figure has likely increased significantly by 2024.
Early Life: Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Dreams
Bartlett’s journey began in Botswana, where he was born to a Nigerian mother and British father. At the age of two, his family relocated to Plymouth, England, where Bartlett spent his formative years. Despite modest beginnings, his entrepreneurial spirit emerged early. In 2010, Bartlett attended Manchester Metropolitan University but dropped out in his first year to pursue his business ideas, a decision that would mark the start of his extraordinary career.
Social Chain: A Game-Changing Marketing Venture
In 2013, at the age of 22, Steven Bartlett co-founded Social Chain with Dominic McGregor. This marketing agency disrupted the industry by leveraging the power of social media to create impactful campaigns for global brands like Apple, McDonald’s, and KFC. Within just a year, Bartlett had become a millionaire at 23.
By 2019, Social Chain merged with the German online retailer Lumaland AG to form The Social Chain AG. The company was publicly listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange with a market valuation exceeding $200 million. Despite stepping down as co-CEO in 2020, Bartlett’s role in shaping Social Chain into a marketing powerhouse remains undeniable.
The Diary of a CEO: Bartlett’s Podcast Phenomenon
During his time at Social Chain, Bartlett launched The Diary of a CEO podcast as a personal experiment. What began as a side project evolved into a global success, renowned for its candid interviews with high-profile guests like Boris Johnson, Simon Cowell, and Michael Bublé. By January 2024, the podcast had amassed 8.96 million subscribers and hit one billion streams across platforms like Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.
In 2021, Bartlett revealed that the podcast generated $1.2 million in revenue annually, further solidifying its position as a leading media venture. In 2023, Bartlett released The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life, a No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller, showcasing his philosophies on personal and professional growth.
Investment Ventures and Thirdweb
After leaving Social Chain, Bartlett shifted his focus to investments. In 2021, he co-founded Thirdweb, a software platform designed to help entrepreneurs build and manage web3 applications. Backed by major players like Coinbase and Shopify, Thirdweb achieved a valuation of $160 million within a year. The platform’s tools attracted 55,000 users and generated over $1.5 million in weekly revenue by 2022, underscoring Bartlett’s knack for identifying emerging opportunities.
Bartlett also launched Flight Group, a multifaceted investment and marketing entity comprising Flight Fund (which invests in sectors like blockchain, biotech, and health), Flight Story (a marketing company), and Flight Studio (a media production company inspired by the success of The Diary of a CEO).
Dragons’ Den: The Youngest Dragon
In 2021, Bartlett joined the BBC’s Dragons’ Den as its youngest-ever dragon at the age of 28. His fresh perspective and entrepreneurial success brought a new dynamic to the show, where he pledged nearly £2 million to innovative businesses. His participation not only boosted his public profile but also underscored his commitment to supporting emerging entrepreneurs.
Controversy and Criticism
Despite his many achievements, Bartlett’s career hasn’t been without controversy. In 2024, the BBC World Service accused The Diary of a CEO of amplifying health misinformation, citing harmful claims in some episodes. Bartlett’s production company, Flight Studio, defended the podcast as a platform for diverse voices and open dialogue, emphasizing that progress comes from hearing a range of perspectives.
Personal Branding and Influence
Bartlett’s personal brand is a cornerstone of his success. Known for his authenticity and storytelling, he frequently shares his entrepreneurial journey through platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. His relatable approach resonates with audiences worldwide, earning him a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2020. He has also delivered impactful talks at TEDx events and the United Nations.
Books and Philanthropy
Bartlett’s literary contributions include two bestsellers: Happy Sexy Millionaire (2021) and The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life (2023). His books combine personal anecdotes with practical advice, inspiring readers to pursue their ambitions fearlessly.
In addition to his business ventures, Bartlett is committed to philanthropy. In 2023, he partnered with the UK Prison Service to distribute copies of his book to inmates, aiming to inspire personal growth and second chances.
Net Worth and Future Prospects
While Steven Bartlett’s net worth was estimated at £71 million in his mid-twenties, his diverse ventures and investments suggest significant growth since then. At 32 years old, Bartlett continues to push boundaries as an entrepreneur, investor, and media personality. From his groundbreaking work at Social Chain to his global podcast success, Bartlett’s journey exemplifies innovation and resilience.
As Bartlett expands his portfolio with projects like Thirdweb and Flight Group, his influence in the business world is set to grow even further. His story serves as a testament to the power of self-belief and the impact of taking calculated risks in pursuit of success.