Steven Bartlett
Steven Cliff Bartlett (born 26 August 1992) is a British entrepreneur, investor, podcaster, author, and television personality who founded the social media marketing company Social Chain in 2014 and has hosted The Diary of a CEO podcast since 2017, which became the second most popular podcast globally on Spotify in 2025. Since 2021, he has appeared as one of the "dragons" on the BBC One investment show Dragons' Den, becoming the youngest-ever investor on the long-running British television programme at age 28.
Bartlett's entrepreneurial journey began after he dropped out of Manchester Metropolitan University after attending just one lecture. He co-founded Social Chain, which at its peak was valued at $600 million following a listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. His podcast, The Diary of a CEO, has become one of the world's most listened-to podcasts, featuring interviews with celebrities, business leaders, scientists, and public figures. In 2024, Spotify announced that Bartlett's podcast had overtaken Joe Rogan to become Britain's most popular podcast on the platform.
In October 2025, Bartlett closed an eight-figure investment at a $425 million valuation in his company Steven.com, a creator holding company that owns his media assets and creator ventures. The investment round was led by Slow Ventures and Apeiron Investment Group and is believed to be Europe's largest creator holding company fundraising round.
Bartlett has been recognized with numerous honors, including inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, induction into the Manchester Hall of Fame, and selection for Time magazine's inaugural TIME100 Creators list in 2025. However, his career has also attracted controversy, including BBC criticism of his podcast for featuring guests promoting medical misinformation and Advertising Standards Authority rulings against advertisements featuring him.
Early life
Birth and family background
Steven Cliff Bartlett was born on 26 August 1992 in Gaborone, Botswana, to an English father and a Nigerian mother. His family background represents a meeting of cultures that would later inform his perspective on business and communication.
His mother left school at age seven and could not read or write, making her son's later success in media and communication particularly remarkable given his family's educational background. His father is a structural engineer, providing technical and analytical skills that complemented the family dynamic.
The circumstances of Bartlett's birth in Botswana gave him an international perspective from the start, though his formative years would be spent in England following his family's relocation.
Childhood in Plymouth
When Bartlett was two years old, his family moved to Plymouth, a coastal city in Devon, England. It was here that Steven would grow up, experiencing the challenges and opportunities of a working-class upbringing in a regional English city.
Plymouth provided a very different environment from the London-centric media and business worlds that Bartlett would later inhabit. The city's distance from the capital meant that local young people had fewer direct pathways to careers in technology and media, making Bartlett's later success all the more notable.
Education
Bartlett attended Plymstock School, a secondary school in Plymouth. His time there was not without difficulties - he was expelled from the sixth form, an early indication of his unconventional approach to formal education and authority.
Despite this setback, Bartlett enrolled at Manchester Metropolitan University to study business. However, his tenure as a university student was extraordinarily brief. He famously dropped out after attending just one lecture, deciding that formal education was not the path for him.
Bartlett has spoken about this decision extensively in interviews and his podcast, framing it as a recognition that traditional educational pathways were not suited to his entrepreneurial temperament. The decision was risky - dropping out of university carries significant social and economic consequences for those who do not succeed in alternative paths - but Bartlett's subsequent success has made his unconventional educational journey a central part of his personal brand.
Early influences
During his early years, Bartlett moonlighted as a rapper under the moniker "Lyricist," reflecting his interest in creative expression and communication that would later manifest in his podcasting career.
The combination of his mixed heritage, his family's educational disadvantages, his expulsion from school, and his decision to drop out of university created a narrative of overcoming obstacles that has become central to Bartlett's public persona. He frequently references these experiences when speaking to entrepreneurs and young people about the possibility of success without traditional credentials.
Business career
Wallpark
In 2013, a year before his more famous venture, Bartlett founded Wallpark, an online messaging board. The venture was his first attempt at building a technology company and provided learning experiences that would inform his subsequent, more successful endeavors.
Wallpark did not achieve significant scale or success, but it taught Bartlett about the challenges of building digital platforms and managing the technical and commercial aspects of a technology startup.
Social Chain AG
Founding and early growth
In 2014, Bartlett co-founded Social Chain alongside Dominic McGregor. The company focused on social media marketing, helping brands reach audiences through influencer partnerships and viral content strategies. Based in Manchester, the company represented a deliberate choice to build outside London's traditional media and technology ecosystem.
Social Chain capitalized on the growing importance of social media in marketing and the willingness of brands to pay for expertise in reaching younger audiences through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The company's approach combined data-driven targeting with creative content strategies.
Merger and public listing
In 2019, Social Chain merged with German online retailer Lumaland to become Social Chain AG, listing on Xetra and the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange. The listing valued the combined business at over $200 million and marked Bartlett's transition from startup founder to public company executive.
The Financial Times reported that Bartlett and Wanja Oberhof would jointly manage Social Chain AG following the merger. The company was valued at €186 million at the time of the Lumaland combination.
In November 2021, Social Chain AG moved to the Frankfurt Stock Exchange's prime standard, reaching a valuation of $600 million. The uplisting represented a significant milestone, though the timing - near the peak of pandemic-era technology valuations - would later prove significant.
Departure and controversy
Bartlett stepped down as CEO of Social Chain in 2020, citing disagreements about the company's direction. The circumstances of his departure have been subject to media scrutiny.
The Times reported that Bartlett had left the business by the time of the second listing, complicating claims about his involvement with the $600 million valuation. Bartlett clarified to The Times that he retained a "significant" shareholding in Social Chain AG at the time of the second listing and was under contract to work for the company "on a range of strategic matters," including the uplisting, for which he received "a further package of virtual shares/options."
His original company, Social Chain Ltd. (one entity within the larger Social Chain AG holding structure), was later sold for £7.7 million - a significant comedown from the headline valuations associated with the public company.
The discrepancies between the $600 million valuation claims and the ultimate value realized have attracted critical media attention, with some questioning whether Bartlett's success claims have been overstated. His website initially stated that he "founded a $600 million company," a formulation that has been questioned given the complexity of his relationship with the company at its peak valuation.
Thirdweb
Bartlett founded Thirdweb, a Web3 startup aimed at simplifying the process of building decentralized applications on the blockchain. The company raised $5 million in seed investment and an additional $24 million in a 2022 Series A funding round, valuing the startup at $160 million.
The Series A was led by Katie Haun's $1.5 billion crypto fund, with participation from investors including Coinbase Ventures, Shopify, and Polygon. The company's stated mission is to make blockchain technology more accessible to developers and businesses.
Thirdweb represents Bartlett's bet on the Web3 and cryptocurrency sector, though the market has experienced significant turbulence since the company's funding rounds.
Flight Story
Flight Story is a media and investment company founded by Bartlett, comprising Flight Story Studio (a media production company) and Flight Story Fund (a $100 million investment fund).
Flight Fund supports founders and high-growth startups in sectors including blockchain, biotech, health, commerce, technology, and space. The fund's stated goal was to invest in approximately 20 companies, offering stakes at discounted valuations in exchange for support from previous founders who are limited partners in the fund.
In December 2025, Flight Story announced a seven-figure investment in Hot Smart Rich (HSR), a business founded by podcaster Maggie Sellers Reum.
However, The Times has reported criticism of Flight Fund over a perceived lack of transparency regarding its portfolio, raising questions about the fund's investment track record and communication with stakeholders.
Stan Store
In May 2025, Bartlett became a co-owner of Stan Store, a US technology company that provides a platform for creator entrepreneurs to launch and manage online businesses. At the time of Bartlett's investment, Stan Store reported $30 million in annual recurring revenue and $300 million in gross merchandise value.
Ketone-IQ
In September 2025, Bartlett became a co-owner of Ketone-IQ, a US ketone drink company distributed in Target, Sprouts, and other leading US retailers.
Flightcast
In October 2025, Bartlett and Roxcodes, a former engineer who worked with MrBeast, announced the launch of Flightcast, a platform designed to help video podcasters grow their audiences.
Steven.com
In October 2025, Bartlett closed an eight-figure investment at a $425 million valuation in Steven.com, his creator holding company that owns his media assets and creator ventures. The investment round was led by Slow Ventures and Apeiron Investment Group.
The deal is believed to be Europe's largest creator holding company fundraising round. Following the investment, Bartlett retained majority ownership of more than 90% of the company.
Steven.com represents Bartlett's evolution from individual content creator to media entrepreneur, consolidating his various media properties under a single corporate umbrella with institutional investment backing.
The Diary of a CEO podcast
Origins and growth
Bartlett launched The Diary of a CEO podcast in 2017, initially as a platform for sharing his entrepreneurial experiences and insights. The podcast has since evolved into one of the world's most popular interview shows, featuring conversations with a wide range of guests.
The show's format typically involves long-form interviews in which Bartlett asks guests about their personal histories, challenges, and philosophies. Notable guests have included Simon Cowell, Jada Pinkett Smith, Boris Johnson, Seth Rogen, Maisie Williams, Thierry Henry, Richard Branson, and Matthew McConaughey.
Commercial success
By the early 2020s, The Diary of a CEO had become one of the world's most listened-to podcasts. The show ranked No. 5 among the most listened-to podcasts of 2024 on Spotify and had the second largest weekly audience in the United Kingdom according to podcast charts.
In December 2024, Spotify announced that The Diary of a CEO had passed one billion total streams and was drawing 50 million monthly listeners. Forbes reported that Bartlett declined an offer estimated to be worth $100 million to partner with an unnamed streaming platform.
In December 2025, Spotify announced that Bartlett's podcast had overtaken Joe Rogan to become Britain's most popular podcast on the platform, cementing his position as one of the world's leading podcasters.
Awards and recognition
In March 2025, The Diary of a CEO won the Best International Podcast award at the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards, representing international recognition of the show's global reach and quality.
Medical misinformation controversy
Bartlett has been criticized for featuring alternative medicine-related guests whose assertions are not supported by, or contradict, scientific evidence. Critics have accused him of failing to push back on guests who promote medical misinformation.
A 2024 analysis of 15 health-related episodes by the BBC found an average of 14 misleading health statements per episode. The analysis identified unsupported treatments for cancer and anti-vaccine conspiracy theories among the problematic claims.
The BBC's analysis represents significant criticism from Britain's public broadcaster and raises questions about Bartlett's editorial responsibilities as the host of a major podcast with millions of listeners.
Bartlett has been described as taking a largely apolitical stance on the podcast, which critics argue allows misinformation to go unchallenged by failing to subject all guests to rigorous questioning.
Dragons' Den
Joining the show
In 2021, Bartlett joined the long-running BBC investment reality television program Dragons' Den as one of the five "dragons" to whom aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their ideas and products. At 28 years old, he became the youngest-ever dragon on the show, which has been running since 2005.
His appointment brought a new perspective to the panel, representing a younger generation of entrepreneurs comfortable with social media, digital marketing, and the creator economy. His experience building Social Chain made him particularly relevant for pitches involving technology, marketing, and digital businesses.
Notable investments
On Dragons' Den, Bartlett has invested in companies including:
- Omni: Plant-based dog food brand
- PerfectTed: Matcha energy drink maker (invested £25,000 for 5% equity, later adding £1 million; company valued at approximately £140 million by 2025)
- Kitt Medical: Allergy-response startup
The PerfectTed investment illustrates Bartlett's approach: following an initial television investment with substantial follow-on capital to help promising companies scale.
Ear Seeds controversy
In 2024, Bartlett was involved in controversy for investing in "Ear Seeds," an acupuncture product pitched on Dragons' Den that falsely claimed to cure myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) - a debilitating chronic condition currently considered incurable.
The investment drew criticism from the ME/CFS community and medical professionals, who accused both Bartlett and the BBC of lending credibility to false medical claims. The episode highlighted tensions between investment television's entertainment value and its responsibility not to promote harmful products or misinformation.
Other activities
Books
Happy Sexy Millionaire
In 2021, Bartlett published his first book, Happy Sexy Millionaire, which became a The Sunday Times bestseller. The book challenges conventional success narratives and explores the gap between external achievement and internal fulfillment.
The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life
In 2023, Bartlett released The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life, drawing on topics from his podcast and condensing them into book form. The book was shortlisted at The British Book Awards for Book of the Year after becoming the fastest-selling personal development book since records began.
Television appearances
In 2019, Bartlett featured in the Channel 4 series The Secret Teacher, going undercover at a school near Liverpool as a teacher. The experience brought him into direct contact with young people facing educational challenges similar to those he had experienced.
Corporate board roles
In December 2020, Bartlett created the private equity company Catena Capital. That same month, he joined the board of directors of Huel, a meal replacement company, as a non-executive director. He stepped down from the Huel board in February 2025.
Homewards advocacy
In September 2023, Bartlett accompanied William, Prince of Wales, on royal visits in Bournemouth after being announced as an advocate of his foundation, Homewards, which works to prevent homelessness.
In March 2025, Bartlett joined the Prince of Wales on a visit to Aberdeen as part of the Homewards initiative, meeting with youth supported by local homelessness prevention programs.
Controversies and criticism
BBC advertising guideline breaches
The BBC, which airs Dragons' Den, reprimanded Bartlett in 2022 for breaching BBC guidelines on advertising. He had worn jewelry on the program from a brand he promoted in posts on social media, creating an undisclosed commercial relationship.
The BBC told Radio Times: "We have clear guidelines around talents' commercial activity while working with us. Steven has been reminded of the guidelines." Bartlett addressed the issue, stating: "This was a genuine oversight on my part. The posts have now been taken down."
Advertising Standards Authority rulings
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) took action against Bartlett in August 2022 for breaching advertising codes. He had advertised the meal replacement firm Huel on his podcast without clearly disclosing its nature as an advertisement.
The ASA ruled that the advertisement must not appear again in its current form and advised Bartlett and Huel to ensure proper disclosure of commercial content in podcasts in future.
In August 2024, advertisements featuring Bartlett by Zoe and Huel were banned by the ASA because they did not properly disclose their commercial relationship with Bartlett. The repeat regulatory issues suggest systemic problems with disclosure practices in Bartlett's commercial activities.
Business claims scrutiny
Bartlett's claims about the success and valuation of his businesses have faced media scrutiny. Questions have been raised about the relationship between headline company valuations and the actual value realized by Bartlett as a founder.
His public image has been described as polarizing, with supporters viewing him as an inspirational self-made entrepreneur and critics questioning whether his success claims withstand detailed examination.
Recognition
Forbes 30 Under 30
In 2020, Bartlett was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, recognizing young entrepreneurs and leaders across various fields.
Manchester Hall of Fame
Also in 2020, Bartlett was inducted into the Manchester Hall of Fame, acknowledging his contributions to the city's business and cultural life.
TIME100 Creators
In 2025, Bartlett was named in Time magazine's inaugural TIME100 Creators list, recognizing the 100 most influential digital voices in the world. He appeared in the "Leaders" category for his work on The Diary of a CEO.
Forbes ranking
In June 2025, Forbes ranked Bartlett among the world's top 50 digital creators. He placed 9th for earnings and 11th overall.
Powerlist
In 2025, Bartlett was named among the UK's most influential Black people on the Powerlist 2026, which recognizes influential individuals of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage in the United Kingdom.
Personal life
Bartlett is of mixed English and Nigerian heritage. He has been open about his neurodiversity, though specific details are not extensively documented.
His personal life remains relatively private despite his high public profile. He has focused public attention on his business activities, podcast, and investments rather than personal relationships.
Legacy
Steven Bartlett's legacy is still being written as he remains in his early thirties and actively building his business empire. However, several aspects of his impact are already apparent:
In podcasting: The Diary of a CEO has become one of the world's most popular podcasts, establishing Bartlett as a major voice in business and self-improvement media. His success has demonstrated the commercial potential of long-form interview content.
In entrepreneurship: Bartlett has become an influential figure for young entrepreneurs, particularly those considering unconventional educational paths. His story of dropping out after one lecture and building a successful career resonates with those skeptical of traditional credentialism.
In investment television: As the youngest dragon on Dragons' Den, Bartlett has brought a new perspective to the long-running format and helped the show remain relevant to younger audiences.
In the creator economy: His various ventures in podcasting, media companies, and creator tools position him at the forefront of the evolving creator economy, where individual content creators can build substantial businesses.
Controversies: The medical misinformation concerns, advertising standards violations, and questions about business claims suggest that Bartlett's legacy will be contested. Critics argue that his influence carries responsibilities that he has not always met.
See also
References