Steven Bartlett, a trailblazing entrepreneur, investor, and podcaster, boasts an impressive net worth of approximately £71 million as of 2025. At just 32 years old, Bartlett has achieved extraordinary success through ventures like Social Chain, Thirdweb, and his renowned podcast, The Diary of a CEO. This article delves into the key milestones of his life, career, and personal story, offering insights into how he became one of the UK’s most celebrated business figures.
Who Is Steven Bartlett?
Steven Bartlett was born on August 26, 1992, in Botswana to a Nigerian mother and an English father. His family moved to Plymouth, England, when he was just two years old. Despite facing challenges during his early education—including expulsion from Plymstock School—Bartlett demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. Though he briefly attended Manchester Metropolitan University, he dropped out after just one lecture to pursue his business ambitions.
How Did Steven Bartlett Build His Career?
Early Ventures and the Creation of Social Chain
In 2013, Bartlett’s first entrepreneurial endeavor was Wallpark, a social platform designed to connect students with shared interests. However, his big break came in 2014 when he co-founded Social Chain alongside Dominic McGregor. The social media marketing agency quickly gained prominence, working with major clients like Apple, Amazon, and Coca-Cola.
Social Chain’s growth was meteoric, with the company merging with German retailer Lumaland in 2019, achieving a valuation of over €186 million. By 2021, Social Chain AG was valued at $600 million and listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Despite stepping down as CEO in 2020, Bartlett retained a significant stake and continued to contribute strategically.
Thirdweb and Other Ventures
In addition to Social Chain, Bartlett co-founded Thirdweb, a Web3 development platform that secured $24 million in Series A funding, valuing the company at $160 million. He also established Catena Capital, a private equity firm, and became a non-executive director at Huel, a meal replacement company.
What Is The Diary of a CEO, and Why Is It So Popular?
In 2017, Steven Bartlett launched The Diary of a CEO, a podcast that offers candid conversations with influential figures across various industries. By 2024, the podcast ranked among Spotify’s top five most popular shows, featuring interviews with high-profile guests like Molly-Mae Hague and Rochelle Humes. Its success is attributed to Bartlett’s authenticity and his ability to provide valuable insights into business and personal growth.
What Books Has Steven Bartlett Written?
Bartlett has authored two books:
- Happy Sexy Millionaire (2021): This Sunday Times bestseller challenges societal assumptions about success and happiness, offering readers unconventional truths about fulfillment.
- The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life (2023): Shortlisted for The British Book Awards, this book distills Bartlett’s business and life philosophies into actionable principles.
Both books reflect his commitment to sharing knowledge and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
What Happened to Social Chain?
Despite its early success, Social Chain faced challenges in later years. In 2023, the company was acquired for just £7.7 million, a surprising development given its previous valuation. Bartlett, however, had already stepped back from an operational role and continues to focus on other ventures, including Thirdweb and Flight Group, a collection of innovative companies spanning various industries.
What Are Steven Bartlett’s Core Business Philosophies?
Bartlett attributes his success to several key principles:
- Continuous Learning: He emphasizes the importance of staying curious and mastering one’s craft.
- Effective Communication: Bartlett believes in the power of storytelling and the ability to sell ideas effectively.
- Resilience: Overcoming early challenges, such as dropping out of university, taught him to persevere in the face of adversity.
Who Is Steven Bartlett Dating?
Steven Bartlett’s personal life has also garnered public interest. He is currently in a relationship with Melanie Vaz Lopes, a French entrepreneur and influencer. After an initial breakup to focus on his career, Bartlett rekindled their romance in 2022 with a grand gesture—flying 22 hours to Bali to win her back. The couple went public during Bartlett’s live tour of The Diary of a CEO, capturing hearts with their heartfelt reunion.
What Else Should You Know About Steven Bartlett?
Early Inspirations and Hobbies
Bartlett’s interest in business was sparked by watching Dragon’s Den as a child, drawing inspiration from figures like Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden. Before becoming an entrepreneur, he pursued music, rapping under the alias “Lyricist.”
Advocacy and Philanthropy
Bartlett is an advocate for social initiatives, including Homewards, a homelessness project led by Prince William. In 2023, he joined the Prince on royal visits to raise awareness of the initiative.
What Is Next for Steven Bartlett?
As of 2025, Bartlett’s future looks brighter than ever. With The Diary of a CEO continuing to dominate the podcast charts and ventures like Thirdweb thriving, he remains a significant figure in both the business and media worlds. Bartlett’s journey—from a struggling student to a multimillionaire entrepreneur—serves as a testament to the power of self-belief and determination.