30 Facts About Steven Bartlett

Source: Penguin.co.uk

Who is Steven Bartlett? Steven Bartlett is a British entrepreneur, investor, and podcaster who has made waves in the business world. Born on August 26, 1992, in Botswana, he moved to Plymouth, England, at age two. Despite being expelled from Plymstock School and dropping out of Manchester Metropolitan University after one lecture, Bartlett's entrepreneurial spirit never wavered. He co-founded Social Chain in 2014, a social media marketing company that quickly became one of Europe's fastest-growing agencies. By 2021, he became the youngest-ever investor on BBC’s “Dragons’ Den.” Bartlett's ventures include Flight Group, Thirdweb, and the popular “Diary of a CEO” podcast.

Key Takeaways:

Steven Bartlett's journey from Botswana to founding Social Chain showcases the power of resilience and determination in achieving entrepreneurial success, inspiring others to pursue their dreams despite early challenges.
Steven Bartlett's diverse ventures, from Social Chain to Flight Group and Thirdweb, highlight the importance of embracing innovation and seizing opportunities in the ever-evolving tech and business landscape.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

Steven Bartlett's journey from Botswana to becoming a renowned entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. His early experiences shaped his future endeavors.

01Born on August 26, 1992, in Botswana, Steven moved to Plymouth, England, at age two.
02He attended Plymstock School but faced expulsion in sixth form.
03Briefly enrolled at Manchester Metropolitan University, he dropped out after just one lecture.

Founding Wallpark and Social Chain

Steven's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, leading to the creation of Wallpark and later, Social Chain, a game-changer in social media marketing.

04In 2013, he founded Wallpark, an online messaging board for students.
05A year later, in 2014, he co-founded Social Chain with Dominic McGregor.
06Social Chain quickly became one of Europe’s fastest-growing social media agencies.
07The company worked with big names like Apple, McDonald's, and the BBC.

Expansion and Success of Social Chain

Under Steven's leadership, Social Chain experienced rapid growth and significant milestones, including a major merger and public listing.

08In 2019, Social Chain merged with German online retailer Lumaland, forming Social Chain AG.
09The merger led to a holding company operating across media, marketing, and e-commerce sectors.
10Social Chain AG listed on the Xetra and Düsseldorf Stock Exchange, valued at over $200 million.
11The company's valuation grew to approximately $300 million under Steven's leadership.
12Social Chain expanded into new markets, including Germany and the US, with offices in Manchester, London, Berlin, New York, and Munich.

Leadership Transition and IPO

Steven's role evolved as Social Chain continued to grow, culminating in a significant IPO.

13In August 2020, Steven announced his departure as co-CEO, transitioning to an advisory role until 2021.
14During his tenure, the company grew to over 750 employees with projected revenues of $200± million for that year.
15In 2021, Social Chain AG went public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, reaching a valuation of approximately $600 million.
16Steven joined his co-founders to ring the bell at the IPO, marking a significant milestone.

Dragons’ Den and Investments

Steven's expertise and fresh perspective earned him a spot on Dragons’ Den, where he made impactful investments.

17In 2021, he became the youngest-ever investor on the BBC’s “Dragons’ Den” at age 28.
18In early 2023, he invested in PerfectTed, a UK-based startup specializing in matcha green tea energy drinks.

Founding Flight Group and Thirdweb

Steven continued to diversify his ventures, founding the Flight Group and Thirdweb, reflecting his broad interests.

19Beyond Social Chain, he founded the Flight Group, including Flight Studio, Flight Fund, Flight Story, and Flight Books.
20He also founded Thirdweb, a Web3 startup simplifying the process of building decentralized applications on the blockchain.
21Thirdweb raised $5 million in seed investment and an additional $24 million in 2022, valuing the startup at $160 million.

Flight Fund and Podcasting Career

Steven's influence extends to tech investment and podcasting, where he shares insights and interviews notable guests.

22In January 2023, he launched Flight Fund, a $100 million fund for tech investment.
23In 2017, he started the “Diary of a CEO” podcast, featuring guests like Liam Payne and Tom Blomfield.
24The podcast became one of the world’s most listened-to, ranking in the top 5 most popular podcasts globally according to Spotify Wrapped in 2024.

Awards, Recognition, and Personal Background

Steven's achievements have earned him numerous accolades, and his diverse heritage has influenced his outlook on business and life.

25In 2020, he was included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.
26Born to an English father and a Nigerian mother, his diverse heritage shaped his perspective.
27His mother left school at age seven and could not read or write, while his father is a structural engineer.

Controversies and Company Culture

Despite his success, Steven faced some controversies and is known for fostering a unique company culture at Social Chain.

28In August 2022, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that advertisements featuring Steven by Zoe and Huel did not properly disclose their relationship with him, leading to the ban of these advertisements.
29The BBC reprimanded him in 2022 for breaching their guidelines on advertising by wearing jewelry promoting a brand he had previously advertised on social media.
30Social Chain’s headquarters in Manchester is known for its unique company culture, featuring a slide, ball pit, fully stocked bar, table tennis, and a puppy park.

Steven Bartlett: A Modern Entrepreneurial Icon

Steven Bartlett's journey from a university dropout to a successful entrepreneur, investor, and podcaster is nothing short of inspiring. Co-founding Social Chain and Thirdweb, launching the Flight Group, and becoming the youngest investor on Dragons’ Den showcase his innovative spirit. His ventures, like PerfectTed and Flight Fund, highlight his commitment to supporting diverse founders and high-growth startups. Despite facing challenges, including breaches of advertising guidelines, Bartlett's resilience and strategic vision have led to remarkable achievements. His Diary of a CEO podcast and public speaking engagements continue to influence and inspire many. Bartlett's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. Whether through his business ventures or media presence, Steven Bartlett remains a significant figure in the entrepreneurial world.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWho is Steven Bartlett?

Steven Bartlett's a dynamic entrepreneur and the brains behind Social Chain, a global social media empire. At just 27, he made waves by taking his company public, showcasing his knack for turning digital trends into profitable ventures. Besides business, he's also known for his thought-provoking insights on the "Diary of a CEO" podcast, where he chats with other high-flyers about success, failure, and everything in between.

QWhat made Steven Bartlett famous?

His rise to fame came from co-founding Social Chain and growing it into a powerhouse that influenced how brands interact with social media. His transparent journey, shared through podcasts and public speaking, has also played a huge part. People admire his honesty about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, making him a relatable figure to many aspiring business minds.

QHow did Steven Bartlett start his career?

He kicked off his entrepreneurial journey after dropping out of university, a bold move that set the stage for his future successes. With a keen eye for social media's potential, he co-founded Social Chain from his bedroom. Through innovative strategies, he turned it into a major player in the marketing world, proving that traditional paths aren't the only way to success.

QWhat can we learn from Steven Bartlett?

His story teaches us the value of resilience, innovation, and thinking outside the box. Bartlett's journey shows that taking risks and following your passion can lead to incredible achievements. He also emphasizes the importance of mental health and self-reflection in personal and professional growth, reminding us that success isn't just about financial gain.

QHas Steven Bartlett written any books?

Yes, he's the author of "Happy Sexy Millionaire: Unexpected Truths about Fulfillment, Love, and Success," where he debunks myths about happiness and success. Through his personal experiences, he offers readers a fresh perspective on achieving true fulfillment beyond material wealth.

QWhat's next for Steven Bartlett?

Always on the move, Bartlett continues to expand his influence by exploring new ventures and sharing his journey with the world. Whether it's through his podcast, public speaking, or new business endeavors, he's committed to inspiring others to pursue their dreams with courage and authenticity.

QHow can I stay updated on Steven Bartlett's work?

Following him on social media is a great way to keep tabs on his latest projects and insights. His podcast, "Diary of a CEO," is another fantastic resource for anyone interested in the minds of successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders. Plus, his book offers a deeper dive into his philosophy on life and success.

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