About
Steven Bartlett is a British entrepreneur, author, and podcaster best known for being the youngest ever investor on BBC’s Dragons’ Den. Born in Botswana and raised in the UK, Steven has become one of the most influential young voices in business. He is the founder of Social Chain, a marketing company that made waves in the world of social media and digital advertising. Today, he’s not just a successful businessman—he’s also a speaker, content creator, and host of The Diary of a CEO, a popular podcast where he chats with high-profile guests about life, business, and everything in between.
What sets Steven apart is how open he is about his journey. He shares both his wins and failures, offering honest insights into entrepreneurship, mental health, and personal growth. His refreshing approach has inspired a huge audience, especially younger people who are interested in building something of their own.
Before Fame
Before the success and spotlight, Steven’s life was anything but easy. He was born on August 26, 1992, in Botswana, and moved to Plymouth, England, when he was young. Growing up, he didn’t always feel like he fit in. School wasn’t his strong suit, and he often felt out of place. Despite this, he always had a spark for creativity and ambition.
Steven dropped out of Manchester Metropolitan University after just one lecture. He knew that the traditional path wasn’t for him. With little money and a big dream, he started Social Chain from his bedroom. In the beginning, things were rough. He went through tough times financially and emotionally, but his belief in the power of social media helped him push forward. Eventually, his company grew into a global business.
Trivia
- Steven was only 22 when he started Social Chain.
- He became a millionaire in his twenties.
- His podcast, The Diary of a CEO, has featured guests like Jimmy Carr, Mo Gawdat, and even CEOs of major companies.
- He published his first book, Happy Sexy Millionaire, in 2021, which became a bestseller.
- He’s passionate about mental health and often talks about therapy, burnout, and mindfulness.
- Steven is known for his minimalist style—often wearing plain black t-shirts, even for major events.
- In 2022, he launched a health brand called Flight Story, focused on investing in disruptive businesses.
Family Life
Steven has spoken openly about his family, particularly his upbringing and how it shaped him. His mother is Nigerian and was a hard-working social worker, while his father is British. Steven’s relationship with his parents has been a key part of his story. There were challenges, especially when he dropped out of university, but over time, their bond grew stronger.
In interviews and on his podcast, he often talks about the lessons he’s learned from his family, including the value of hard work, resilience, and staying true to yourself. Though he tends to keep his personal life fairly private, it’s clear that his background and experiences with his family played a big role in shaping the person he is today.
Associated With
Steven Bartlett has worked with a variety of well-known figures across different industries. Through The Diary of a CEO, he’s had conversations with entrepreneurs like Ben Francis (founder of Gymshark), entertainers like Russell Kane, and health experts like Dr. Rangan Chatterjee. His ability to connect with such a wide range of people has helped his podcast gain millions of downloads and a loyal following.
He’s also made waves in the business world alongside other investors on Dragons’ Den, such as Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, and Touker Suleyman. Though younger than most of them, Steven holds his own with fresh insights and a digital-first perspective that sets him apart.
