Steven Bartlett, a British entrepreneur, author, investor, and podcast host, has an estimated net worth of $60 million as of 2024. At 31 years old, Bartlett has achieved remarkable success in business, social media marketing, and investments. He first gained recognition as the founder of Social Chain, a pioneering social media marketing company, and later expanded his ventures to Web3 development with Thirdweb. Bartlett is also a key investor on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den, a best-selling author, and the host of the widely popular podcast, “The Diary of a CEO.”
What is Steven Bartlett’s Background and Early Life?
Born Steven Cliff Bartlett on August 26, 1992, in Botswana, he was raised by a Nigerian mother and an English father. His mother, who left school at just seven years old, struggled with literacy, while his father worked as a structural engineer. At the age of two, Bartlett moved to Plymouth, England, where he spent most of his childhood.
His early education took place at Plymstock School, but he was expelled during sixth form. Despite enrolling at Manchester Metropolitan University, he attended only one lecture before deciding to drop out, choosing instead to carve his own path in business.
How Did Steven Bartlett Start His Career?
Bartlett’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2013 when he launched an online messaging board called Wallpark. A year later, he co-founded Social Chain, a social media marketing company, alongside Dominic McGregor. The company rapidly gained traction, leveraging viral marketing and influencer-driven campaigns.
In 2019, Social Chain merged with the German retailer Lumaland, forming The Social Chain AG, which was initially valued at €186 million. Bartlett and Wanja Oberhof jointly managed the business, and its valuation soared to over $200 million after being listed on the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange. By 2021, Social Chain AG was valued at $600 million on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange’s prime standard.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Social Chain was acquired for just £7.7 million in 2023, raising questions about its financial stability post-Bartlett’s leadership.
What Are Steven Bartlett’s Other Business Ventures?
After stepping down as CEO of Social Chain in 2020, Bartlett expanded his business portfolio significantly:
- Thirdweb: In 2021, he co-founded Thirdweb, a Web3 development startup. Within nine months, the company secured $5 million in seed funding, followed by a $24 million Series A investment, reaching a valuation of $160 million.
- Flight Group: Bartlett established the Flight Group, which includes Flight Fund, Flight Books, Flight Story, and Flight Studio.
- Catena Capital: A private equity firm launched in late 2020.
- Huel: In 2021, he joined the meal replacement company Huel as a non-executive director.
What is “The Diary of a CEO,” and How Successful is It?
Bartlett launched his podcast, “The Diary of a CEO,” in 2017. Over time, it became one of the most popular business podcasts globally. By 2025, it ranked among Spotify’s top five podcasts. The show features high-profile guests from various industries, discussing business, personal development, and success strategies.
What Books Has Steven Bartlett Written?
Bartlett is also a best-selling author, with two critically acclaimed books:
- “Happy Sexy Millionaire” (2021): A self-improvement book that made it onto the Sunday Times Bestseller List.
- “The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life” (2023): This book was shortlisted for The British Book Awards’ Book of the Year.
What is Steven Bartlett’s Role on Dragons’ Den?
In 2021, Bartlett became the youngest-ever investor on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den at just 29 years old. His innovative approach to investment and mentorship has helped many startups gain financial backing and strategic guidance.
What is Steven Bartlett’s Personal Life Like?
Before entering the business world, Bartlett pursued music under the name “Lyricist”. He is also a dog lover, owning a French bulldog named Pablo, named after Kanye West’s “The Life of Pablo” album.
In 2019, he took part in Channel 4’s “The Secret Teacher,” where he went undercover as a teacher to support underprivileged students. He is also a strong advocate for homelessness initiatives, particularly Homewards, an organization established by Prince William. In 2023, Bartlett accompanied Prince William on royal visits across Bournemouth, further showcasing his commitment to social causes.
What’s Next for Steven Bartlett in 2024 and Beyond?
Bartlett continues to expand his business empire, focusing on Web3, media, and private equity investments. His growing influence in the business and self-improvement space makes him a key figure in the entrepreneurial world. As he advances his career, he remains dedicated to mentorship, philanthropy, and innovation.
Conclusion
At 31 years old and with a net worth of $60 million, Steven Bartlett has proven himself as a self-made success story. From building multi-million-dollar businesses to becoming a thought leader in the startup and investment space, his journey is inspiring and ever-evolving. As he continues to push boundaries in technology, media, and business, there’s no doubt that Bartlett’s impact will only grow in the years to come.
