Steven Bartlett is one of the most influential modern entrepreneurs in the UK. From humble beginnings and financial hardship to becoming the youngest-ever Dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, Bartlett’s journey is a powerful story of resilience, self-belief, and digital innovation. Best known as the founder of Social Chain and host of the globally popular “Diary of a CEO” podcast, he has become a leading voice in business, mindset, and personal development.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Steven Bartlett was born on August 26, 1992, in Botswana, to a Nigerian mother and an English father. As a child, he moved to the United Kingdom, where he grew up in Plymouth, England.
Childhood Challenges
Bartlett has spoken openly about growing up with financial struggles and often feeling like an outsider. These early experiences shaped his mindset, pushing him to question traditional paths and motivating him to create his own version of success.
Education and the Decision to Drop Out
Steven Bartlett enrolled at Manchester Metropolitan University but dropped out at the age of 18. Unlike many entrepreneurs, he doesn’t glorify dropping out—rather, he explains that traditional education simply didn’t align with his learning style or ambitions at the time.
This decision became a turning point, allowing him to focus fully on building businesses and exploring the emerging power of social media and digital communities.
Entrepreneurial Journey
Early Business Ventures
Bartlett’s first venture, Wallpark, was an online messaging platform aimed at connecting students. While it didn’t become a major success, it taught him valuable lessons about technology, branding, and user behavior.
Founding Social Chain
In 2014, Steven Bartlett co-founded Social Chain, a social media marketing agency that quickly grew into a global digital powerhouse. The company worked with major brands by leveraging viral content, influencer marketing, and platform-native strategies.
Social Chain’s success cemented Bartlett’s reputation as a digital-first entrepreneur who understood internet culture better than traditional agencies.
Building a Media and Tech Empire
Flight Story
After stepping back from Social Chain, Bartlett founded Flight Story, a creator-led media company focused on storytelling, brand building, and modern media formats.
Thirdweb
He also co-founded Thirdweb, a Web3 development platform designed to make blockchain technology more accessible for developers and businesses. This move highlighted his interest in future-facing technologies and innovation.
The Diary of a CEO Podcast
Launch and Growth
Steven Bartlett launched “The Diary of a CEO” podcast in 2017, initially as a personal audio journal. Over time, it evolved into one of the most downloaded business podcasts in the world.
Impact and Influence
The podcast features in-depth conversations with:
- Entrepreneurs
- Athletes
- Psychologists
- Artists
- World leaders
What sets it apart is its focus on vulnerability, mental health, success, failure, and self-awareness, making it relatable far beyond the business world.
Dragons’ Den and Television Career
In a historic moment, Steven Bartlett joined BBC’s Dragons’ Den as the youngest-ever Dragon. His presence brought a fresh, digital-native perspective to the show.
Known for his:
- Strategic investments
- Calm confidence
- Focus on brand and community
Bartlett quickly became a fan favorite and a role model for younger entrepreneurs.
Author and Thought Leader
Books by Steven Bartlett
Steven Bartlett is also a best-selling author, with books that blend business advice and personal growth:
- Happy Sexy Millionaire (2021) – A critique of traditional success myths and the pursuit of happiness
- The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life (2023) – Practical lessons drawn from his podcast and personal experiences
Both books emphasize mindset, self-belief, and emotional intelligence over conventional measures of success.
Philosophy, Mindset, and Success Principles
Steven Bartlett’s success philosophy centers on:
- Self-belief over credentials
- Turning insecurity into fuel
- Documenting the journey, not just the wins
- Building businesses rooted in personal growth
He has openly shared experiences of debt, self-doubt, and failure, reinforcing his belief that success is non-linear and deeply personal.
Legacy and Influence
Today, Steven Bartlett is more than just an entrepreneur. He is:
- A global media personality
- A respected investor
- A leading voice in self-development
- A symbol of modern, digital-era success
His story resonates with millions who feel constrained by traditional paths and are searching for a more authentic way to build their future.