Steven Bartlett, a 32-year-old British entrepreneur, investor, author, and podcaster, has made a significant mark on the business world. With an impressive net worth of £71 million (approximately $50 million), Bartlett’s entrepreneurial journey and multifaceted career have captured the attention of many. Known for his role as one of the youngest investors on BBC’s Dragon’s Den, his ventures range from co-founding the highly successful social media agency Social Chain to creating and growing his own private equity firm, Catena Capital. As an advocate for entrepreneurship, Bartlett also reaches a broad audience with his podcast The Diary of a CEO, one of the most popular podcasts worldwide.
How Did Steven Bartlett’s Early Life Shape His Career?
Steven Bartlett was born in Botswana on August 26, 1992, to a Nigerian mother and an English father. His upbringing, though marked by challenges, shaped his ambitious mindset. His mother, who struggled with education, and his father, a structural engineer, played pivotal roles in his early development. At the age of two, Bartlett moved with his family to Plymouth, England, where he grew up. However, his school life wasn’t always smooth; he was expelled from Plymstock School during his sixth form years. Despite this setback, Bartlett’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to evolve.
After a brief stint at Manchester Metropolitan University, Steven dropped out following just one lecture, realizing that traditional education wasn’t the path he needed to take to achieve his goals. It was during this time that he began nurturing the ideas that would later become pivotal in his career.
What Led to the Formation of Social Chain?
In 2014, Steven Bartlett co-founded Social Chain, a social media marketing agency, alongside Dominic McGregor. The idea behind the company was to revolutionize how brands connect with their target audiences through the power of social media. With McGregor’s large Twitter following and Bartlett’s entrepreneurial vision, the two successfully built a company that would soon partner with major brands, such as Apple, Amazon, and Coca-Cola.
Social Chain grew rapidly, and within a few years, the company expanded into the U.S. market and developed a strong European presence. The company’s early success came with a viral campaign for the gaming app Tippy Tap, which catapulted the app to the top of the charts. By 2019, Social Chain merged with German retailer Lumaland, valuing the company at €186 million. Bartlett stepped down as CEO of Social Chain in 2020, but retained a significant shareholding in the company.
How Did Steven Bartlett Transition Into Other Ventures?
After his departure from Social Chain, Steven Bartlett launched a variety of new projects. In 2020, he founded Catena Capital, a private equity firm focused on early-stage investments in startups. This venture allowed him to leverage his expertise and further diversify his business interests.
Additionally, in 2021, Steven ventured into the Web3 space by co-founding Thirdweb, a startup focused on helping developers create and manage Web3 applications. Within months, the company raised millions in seed and Series A funding, with Thirdweb valued at $160 million.
Steven Bartlett’s business acumen is evident through his wide range of investments and the growth of the companies he’s been involved in. His ability to pivot into new industries and continue to innovate has solidified his position as a leading entrepreneur.
What Role Did “Dragon’s Den” Play in Bartlett’s Rise to Fame?
In 2021, Steven Bartlett joined the cast of Dragon’s Den, the BBC show where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors. At the age of 28, he became the youngest investor in the show’s history, offering a fresh perspective to the panel of seasoned entrepreneurs. Bartlett’s success in business, combined with his youth and relatable style, made him an appealing figure for viewers, inspiring many young people to pursue entrepreneurship.
His appearances on Dragon’s Den were marked by insightful investments and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Bartlett’s presence on the show further elevated his public profile, as he was able to engage with a new generation of business owners and promote his own brand of entrepreneurship.
How Did “The Diary of a CEO” Podcast Contribute to Steven Bartlett’s Success?
Another avenue through which Steven Bartlett has influenced others is his podcast, The Diary of a CEO. Launched in 2017, the podcast quickly gained traction and is now ranked among the top podcasts globally. It offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look into the lives and minds of successful business figures, entrepreneurs, and celebrities.
Through The Diary of a CEO, Steven Bartlett delves deep into topics surrounding personal growth, leadership, and business. He interviews high-profile guests such as Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague and TV personality Rochelle Humes. His candid conversations and thought-provoking questions have made the podcast a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals seeking advice on life and business.
In 2024, The Diary of a CEO was ranked among the five most popular podcasts on Spotify, further solidifying Bartlett’s influence and expanding his audience.
What Are Steven Bartlett’s Personal Interests and Relationships?
Outside of his professional ventures, Steven Bartlett is an advocate for social causes and has used his platform to support homelessness initiatives like Homewards, launched by Prince William. He accompanied the Prince on a royal tour of Bournemouth in 2023, reinforcing his commitment to giving back to society.
Bartlett is also known for his personal life, including his relationship with French entrepreneur and influencer Melanie Vaz Lopes. The two rekindled their romance after a period of separation, with Bartlett famously flying to Bali to win her back. Their public romance gained attention, particularly when he made a romantic gesture during the Diary of a CEO tour in 2022.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Steven Bartlett?
At just 32 years old, Steven Bartlett has accomplished more than many entrepreneurs twice his age. With a net worth of £71 million, he continues to build his legacy in various industries, from digital media to Web3 development. As a young entrepreneur, investor, author, and podcast host, Bartlett has inspired countless individuals to pursue their business ambitions and follow their passions. With his innovative mindset and diverse career portfolio, the future looks bright for this business mogul.
