Steven Bartlett has established himself as a leading entrepreneur, investor, and media personality. With an estimated net worth of $50 million, Bartlett has built a diverse business portfolio, from co-founding Social Chain to launching the Web3 development platform Thirdweb. His influence extends beyond business, with bestselling books, a top-rated podcast, and a role as the youngest-ever investor on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den. Despite controversies and setbacks, Bartlett’s impact on the business world continues to grow.
Early Life and Education
Steven Cliff Bartlett was born on August 26, 1992, in Botswana, to a Nigerian mother and an English father. His mother had a limited education, leaving school at the age of seven, while his father worked as a structural engineer. At the age of two, Bartlett’s family moved to Plymouth, England, where he spent most of his childhood.
Bartlett attended Plymstock School, but his academic journey was turbulent. He was expelled during his sixth form and later enrolled at Manchester Metropolitan University, only to drop out after attending a single lecture. This decision marked the beginning of his journey into entrepreneurship, as he quickly sought opportunities outside of the traditional education system.
Entrepreneurial Success: Social Chain and Thirdweb
Founding Social Chain
In 2013, Bartlett founded Wallpark, an online messaging platform for students. However, it was in 2014 that he co-founded Social Chain, a digital marketing company specializing in social media advertising. Partnering with Dominic McGregor, Bartlett built the company into a powerhouse, using viral content strategies to gain traction.
Social Chain rapidly grew in value, and in 2019, Bartlett merged the company with German retailer Lumaland, forming The Social Chain AG. The business was soon listed on the Xetra and Düsseldorf Stock Exchange, and its valuation exceeded $200 million at the time of the merger.
By 2021, Social Chain’s valuation had reached $600 million on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, making it one of Europe’s most notable digital marketing firms. Despite stepping down as CEO in 2020, Bartlett retained a significant equity stake and remained involved in strategic matters.
However, in 2023, Social Chain faced a major downfall when it was acquired for just £7.7 million, a surprising contrast to its earlier valuation.
Thirdweb and Flight Group
Following his departure from Social Chain, Bartlett turned his attention to Web3 and blockchain technology. In 2022, he co-founded Thirdweb, a platform designed to help developers create Web3 applications. The startup quickly gained traction, securing $5 million in seed funding and an additional $24 million in a Series A round, bringing its valuation to $160 million.
Bartlett also established Flight Group, which includes multiple ventures:
- Flight Fund – A venture capital fund investing in startups
- Flight Story – A marketing agency
- Flight Studio – A media and content production company
- Flight Books – A publishing arm for business literature
The Diary of a CEO Podcast and Book Success
Bartlett is also the host of The Diary of a CEO, a business podcast he launched in 2017. By 2024, the podcast became one of the top five most popular shows on Spotify globally. Featuring high-profile guests and deep-dive business insights, the podcast has become a must-listen for entrepreneurs and professionals alike.
In addition to his podcast, Bartlett is a bestselling author. His books include:
- Happy Sexy Millionaire (2021) – A self-development book that became a Sunday Times bestseller
- The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life (2023) – Nominated for The British Book Awards’ Book of the Year
These ventures contribute significantly to his net worth through book sales, sponsorships, and speaking engagements.
Role on Dragons’ Den
In 2021, Bartlett became the youngest-ever investor on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, joining the panel of multimillionaire entrepreneurs. His inclusion brought a fresh perspective to the show, as he represents the new generation of digital-first entrepreneurs. His investments span technology, e-commerce, and media, further solidifying his business empire.
Controversies and Criticism
Despite his success, Bartlett has faced controversies throughout his career. His outspoken views on hustle culture and mental health have drawn criticism, with some accusing him of promoting toxic productivity. Additionally, Social Chain’s early tactics, which allegedly included creating fake viral trends, raised ethical concerns about digital marketing practices.
However, Bartlett has consistently defended his business approach, stating that transparency and challenging traditional norms are key to his success.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Outside of business, Bartlett has a passion for music and previously performed as a rapper under the alias “Lyricist”. In 2019, he appeared on Channel 4’s The Secret Teacher as an undercover educator, offering mentorship to disadvantaged students.
He is also involved in philanthropy, supporting Homewards, a homelessness initiative founded by Prince William. In 2023, he accompanied the Prince on visits to projects addressing homelessness in Bournemouth.
