Steven Bartlett, a name synonymous with entrepreneurial success, is widely recognized for his podcast The Diary of a CEO and as the youngest-ever investor on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. At just 32 years old, Bartlett has achieved milestones that many can only dream of, amassing an estimated net worth that exceeds £71 million. Let’s delve into the journey of this trailblazing entrepreneur, from his early life to his groundbreaking ventures.
Early Life and Education
Steven Bartlett was born in Botswana in 1992 and moved to Plymouth, England, at the age of two. Raised in a modest household, Bartlett’s upbringing instilled in him the determination to carve out his own path. His family supported his ambitions, although his decision to drop out of Manchester Metropolitan University after just one year was a bold move. At 20, Bartlett was not afraid to take risks, setting the stage for his future ventures.
From Wallpark to Social Chain
Bartlett’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2013 with Wallpark, an online messaging board for students to share events and sell textbooks. While the platform didn’t achieve massive success, it laid the foundation for his next venture: Social Chain. In 2014, Bartlett co-founded Social Chain with Dominic McGregor. The marketing agency quickly gained traction, working with global brands such as Apple, McDonald’s, and KFC.
By the time Bartlett turned 23, Social Chain had propelled him to millionaire status. In 2019, the company went public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, following a merger with German retailer Lumaland AG. The newly formed entity, The Social Chain AG, was valued at over $200 million. However, Bartlett’s journey with Social Chain concluded in 2020 when he stepped down as co-CEO at age 27, signaling his desire to pursue new opportunities.
The Diary of a CEO: A Podcast Phenomenon
What started as a “one-off experiment” in 2017 soon became one of the world’s most popular podcasts. The Diary of a CEO has redefined podcasting, hosting high-profile guests such as Boris Johnson, Simon Cowell, and Michael Bublé. As of January 2025, the podcast boasts over 9 million subscribers, achieving the milestone of 1 billion listens and streams in late 2024. This makes it the first UK-produced podcast to hit such numbers.
The podcast has been a financial success as well, with Bartlett reportedly earning $1.2 million annually from it by 2021. Beyond revenue, The Diary of a CEO has inspired millions through candid conversations about business, relationships, and personal growth. Bartlett also leveraged the podcast’s success into publishing. His 2023 book, The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life, became a Sunday Times bestseller and was even distributed to inmates through a partnership with the UK Prison Service.
Despite its success, the podcast has faced criticism. A BBC investigation in 2024 accused it of amplifying health misinformation in some episodes, sparking debates about the responsibilities of content creators.
Investments and New Ventures
Since stepping down from Social Chain, Bartlett has diversified his investments. In 2021, he co-founded Thirdweb, a platform enabling entrepreneurs to build and manage Web3 applications. Backed by industry giants like Coinbase and Shopify, Thirdweb was valued at $160 million within a year of its launch, generating over $1.5 million weekly revenue by 2022. While successful, the venture has faced scrutiny for transparency issues, as reported by The Times.
Bartlett also founded Flight Group, a marketing investment company comprising three entities: Flight Fund (investing in sectors like biotech, blockchain, and space), Flight Story (a marketing firm), and Flight Studio (focused on content creation inspired by The Diary of a CEO).
Dragons’ Den: A New Chapter
In 2021, Bartlett joined Dragons’ Den at the age of 28, becoming its youngest-ever investor. Over the course of his tenure, he has pledged nearly £2 million to support innovative businesses. Bartlett’s presence has revitalized the show, bringing fresh perspectives and showcasing his sharp business acumen.
Personal Life and Net Worth
Bartlett’s personal life is an essential part of his brand, as he often shares his journey of overcoming challenges to inspire others. While he remains private about his family and relationships, his net worth has been a topic of intrigue. Reports suggest that his wealth, which was estimated at £71 million at age 26, has grown significantly through investments, his podcast, and other ventures.
A Visionary Entrepreneur
Steven Bartlett’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and ambition. From dropping out of university to building multimillion-pound businesses, he has become a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. With ventures spanning podcasts, books, investments, and television, Bartlett’s influence continues to expand. His ability to adapt, take risks, and build brands showcases the power of combining personal branding with business acumen—a recipe for enduring success.
