Steven Bartlett, a British entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host, has rapidly emerged as one of the most influential figures in the UK’s business landscape. Best known for his chart-topping podcast The Diary of a CEO and his role as the youngest-ever “dragon” on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, Bartlett’s journey to wealth and fame is a testament to his business acumen and personal branding prowess. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around £100 million, a significant increase from the £71 million reported when he was just 26. This article explores how Steven Bartlett built his fortune, his investments, controversies, and the legacy he is creating in the business world.
Early Life and Path to Entrepreneurship
Steven Bartlett was born in 1992 in Botswana and moved to Plymouth, England, at the age of two. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. After attending Manchester Metropolitan University for a brief period, Bartlett dropped out in his first year to pursue his business ambitions. This decision proved pivotal as it set him on a path that would lead to immense success.
In 2013, at the age of 21, Bartlett launched his first venture, Wallpark, an online messaging board for students to share events and sell textbooks. Although Wallpark did not achieve long-term success, it provided Bartlett with invaluable experience in managing a startup. The following year, he co-founded the marketing agency Social Chain with Dominic McGregor, a decision that would transform his career.
The Rise of Social Chain: From Startup to Market Leader
Social Chain quickly gained traction by leveraging social media to promote brands innovatively. Within a few years, the agency was managing the social media presence of global brands like Apple, KFC, and McDonald’s. By the age of 23, Bartlett had already reached millionaire status, demonstrating a knack for scaling businesses rapidly.
In 2019, Social Chain merged with German online retailer Lumaland AG and was listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as The Social Chain AG, with a market valuation of over $200 million. Although Bartlett stepped down as co-CEO in 2020, his stake in the company and the wealth generated from the merger significantly bolstered his net worth. In 2023, media group Brave Bison acquired The Social Chain AG in a £7.7 million deal, though it remains unclear how much Bartlett personally gained from the buyout.
The Diary of a CEO: A Podcast Phenomenon
While leading Social Chain, Bartlett launched The Diary of a CEO podcast, which began as a “one-off experiment” but quickly transformed into one of the UK’s most popular business podcasts. The show features in-depth conversations with world leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, and celebrities. High-profile guests like Boris Johnson, Simon Cowell, and Michael Bublé have shared their journeys and lessons learned, helping the podcast reach a global audience.
By January 2025, The Diary of a CEO had amassed over 8.96 million subscribers and surpassed one billion streams across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, making it the first UK-produced podcast to achieve this milestone. In 2021, Bartlett revealed that he was earning approximately $1.2 million annually from the podcast, a figure that has likely grown significantly given its explosive popularity.
In 2023, Bartlett published a book titled The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life, which quickly became a No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller. His previous book, Happy Sexy Millionaire, also topped bestseller lists, further expanding his income streams.
Controversies Surrounding the Podcast
Despite its success, The Diary of a CEO has not been without controversy. In 2024, a BBC World Service investigation accused the podcast of amplifying health misinformation, particularly related to cancer treatments. An analysis of 15 health-related episodes claimed that each contained unverified and potentially harmful advice, such as promoting the keto diet as a treatment for cancer.
In response, a spokesperson for Bartlett’s production company, Flight Studio, defended the podcast’s commitment to free expression and criticized the BBC’s findings as misleading. While the controversy sparked debate, it did little to dampen the podcast’s popularity, which continues to dominate the UK’s podcast charts.
Investments and Business Ventures
Since stepping down from Social Chain, Steven Bartlett has focused on investments and entrepreneurship through his investment company, Flight Group. This entity comprises three key divisions:
- Flight Fund: Focuses on investments in biotech, blockchain, technology, health and wellness, commerce, and space.
- Flight Story: A marketing agency that builds brand stories and engages audiences.
- Flight Studio: A production company created to expand on the success of The Diary of a CEO by producing more podcasts and content.
In 2021, Bartlett co-founded Thirdweb with Furqan Rydhan, a software platform that helps entrepreneurs build and manage web3 applications. Supported by major players like Coinbase and Shopify, Thirdweb was valued at $160 million in 2022 and reportedly generated over $1.5 million in weekly revenue within its first nine months.
These ventures have not only diversified Bartlett’s income but have also solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking investor with a keen eye for tech-driven opportunities.
The Dragons’ Den Era: The Youngest Dragon
In 2021, at the age of 28, Steven Bartlett became the youngest-ever “dragon” on BBC’s Dragons’ Den. Sitting alongside established investors like Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden, Bartlett brought a fresh perspective to the show, often focusing on digital-first businesses and innovative technology solutions.
During his tenure on Dragons’ Den, Bartlett pledged nearly £2 million in investments, supporting a range of startups across fintech, health, and sustainability sectors. His presence on the show not only boosted his public profile but also showcased his ability to identify promising business ventures.
Net Worth and Financial Breakdown in 2025
As of 2025, Steven Bartlett’s net worth is estimated to be around £100 million, up from the £71 million reported when he was 26. His wealth is attributed to multiple income streams:
- Equity and Dividends from Social Chain: Estimated at £30 million.
- Podcast Income: Approximately £5 million annually.
- Investments (Flight Group and Thirdweb): Valued at over £50 million.
- Book Royalties: Over £2 million.
Bartlett’s diversified portfolio and ability to leverage his personal brand have been instrumental in his financial growth.
Conclusion
Steven Bartlett’s journey from a university dropout to a multimillionaire entrepreneur is a testament to the power of branding, innovation, and strategic investments. His ability to pivot between different industries—ranging from marketing and tech to media—highlights a versatility that few entrepreneurs possess. As The Diary of a CEO continues to dominate the podcast charts and his investment ventures flourish, Bartlett’s influence on the business world shows no signs of waning. With a net worth approaching £100 million, Bartlett is not just a podcast host but a force to be reckoned with in the global business landscape.
