Steven Bartlett: From Dropout to Dragon and Entrepreneurial Icon
Steven Bartlett’s story is one of defying expectations and building against the odds. At 29, he’s already a multi-millionaire entrepreneur, bestselling author, acclaimed podcaster, and the youngest-ever investor on the BBC show Dragons’ Den.
His meteoric rise highlights an inspiring mix of business acumen, relentless hustle, and the power of connecting with your audience.
Early Life: Shaped by Hardship
Born in Botswana and raised in a working-class environment in Plymouth, England, Bartlett’s childhood wasn’t easy.
Financial struggles and a feeling of not fitting in fueled his ambition to create a life beyond his circumstances. A bright student, he briefly attended Manchester Metropolitan University before dropping out at 18 to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.
Wallpark to Social Chain: Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Bartlett’s entrepreneurial journey began with Wallpark, an online platform aimed at students. While it didn’t find lasting success, it laid the groundwork for his breakthrough venture, Social Chain.
Founded with Dominic McGregor at just 22, Social Chain revolutionized social media marketing for global brands, working with giants like Apple, Coca-Cola, and Superdry. Its explosive growth led to a public listing in 2019, valuing the company at over $200 million.
The Diary of a CEO: Podcast Powerhouse
In 2017, Bartlett launched his now-iconic podcast, ‘The Diary of a CEO’. This show offers candid, in-depth conversations with some of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs, business leaders, and thought-provoking figures. Its popularity landed it the title of Europe’s most downloaded business podcast, solidifying Bartlett’s reputation as a master interviewer and highlighting his passion for understanding the minds behind success.
Business Philosophy: Disruption and Accessibility
Bartlett’s entrepreneurial ventures reveal a focus on disruption and challenging industry norms. His work with Social Chain transformed how brands interact with young audiences on social media. Projects like Thirdweb, his Web3 company, aim to democratize access to cutting-edge technologies.
Moreover, Bartlett champions the idea that success should be attainable for everyone, regardless of background. This is reflected in his investments in businesses owned by underrepresented individuals and his efforts to inspire next-generation entrepreneurs.
Investing in the Future: Dragons’ Den and Beyond
Bartlett’s role in the BBC’s Dragons’ Den marks another milestone in his career. As the youngest-ever ‘Dragon’, he brings his fresh perspective and digital expertise to the show, seeking to back the next generation of disruptive businesses. His portfolio includes investments in various sectors, such as health and wellness brands like Huel and Zoe.
Published Author: Sharing Lessons Learned
Bartlett’s Sunday Times bestseller, “Happy Sexy Millionaire,” delves into his entrepreneurial journey, offering practical insights and challenging traditional notions of success. His latest book, “The 33 Laws for Business & Life,” further distils his experiences and learnings that fueled his rise.
Steven Bartlett’s Net Worth
Steven Bartlett’s net worth is estimated to be around £68 million (roughly $82 million USD). Here’s how he’s built his wealth:
- Social Chain: His most significant financial success comes from founding and leading Social Chain, which became a global social media marketing giant. While he stepped down as CEO in 2020, he still holds shares and benefited greatly from the company’s earlier valuation.
- Dragons’ Den: As an investor on the show, Bartlett gains financially from successful investments he makes into businesses.
- The Diary of a CEO: His massively popular podcast generates sizeable revenue through sponsorships and advertising.
- Book Sales: Bartlett’s books, including “Happy Sexy Millionaire,” have been bestsellers, contributing to his income.
- Investments: He’s an active investor in various businesses and startups, further contributing to his net worth.
- Speaking Engagements: Bartlett is in demand as a motivational speaker and commands substantial fees for his appearances.
Steven Bartlett Girlfriend and Relationships
Steven Bartlett tends to keep his personal life relatively private. However, here’s what we know about his girlfriend and past relationships:
- Current Girlfriend: Steven is currently dating Melanie Vaz Lopez, a French influencer specializing in wellness and breathwork. They reunited in 2022 after briefly dating in 2016/2017. Bartlett has spoken about her positive influence on his life.
- Past Relationships: Bartlett has mentioned a few previous relationships in interviews and on his podcast, but hasn’t revealed specific names. He’s described some prior experiences as challenging, informing his current approach to finding a fulfilling partnership.
- Focus on Growth: Bartlett has spoken about previously choosing to focus intensely on building his businesses, sometimes at the expense of lasting relationships. He’s expressed a newfound desire for a committed partnership built on mutual support.
Privacy and Intentionality
While some details are known, Bartlett largely keeps his romantic life out of the spotlight. This seems like an intentional choice to protect his privacy and focus on building a healthy, long-term relationship.
Voice for Change and Inspiration
Bartlett actively uses his platform to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in the business world. His efforts, including mentoring and speaking to disadvantaged youth, have earned him recognition like the ‘British Black Entrepreneur of the Year Award’. He’s a powerful role model, demonstrating the transformative power of ambition, self-belief, and a willingness to take risks.
Legacy and Continued Impact
Steven Bartlett’s influence continues to grow. His trajectory serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs around the world, demonstrating that with hard work, determination, and the right mindset, anyone can carve their path to success. Bartlett’s impact extends beyond his own businesses; he’s reshaping how we think about entrepreneurship and making it an accessible dream for those from all walks of life.
