Steven Bartlett is a prominent entrepreneur, investor, podcast host, and public speaker, known for his work as the youngest “dragon” on Dragons’ Den , his role as the host of The Diary of a CEO podcast, and his success in the marketing and business world.
As of 2024, while there’s no exact figure for his current net worth, previous reports have estimated it to be around £71 million at the age of 26, and with his continued business ventures, that number has likely grown significantly.
Bartlett’s journey is a testament to the power of personal branding, innovation, and hard work.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Steven Bartlett was born in Botswana in 1992 but moved to Plymouth, England, at the age of two. After briefly attending Manchester Metropolitan University, he dropped out in 2010 to focus on his entrepreneurial ambitions.
Bartlett’s first business venture was a student-focused online messaging board called Wallpark , launched in 2013. This platform allowed students to share events and sell textbooks, marking his first foray into business.
Steven Bartlett (Credit: YouTube)
However, it was his next venture, Social Chain , co-founded with Dominic McGregor in 2014, that propelled Bartlett into the entrepreneurial spotlight.
Social Chain was a social media marketing agency that attracted major global brands such as Apple, KFC, and McDonald’s.
Within just a few years, Social Chain became a significant player in the marketing world, helping Bartlett reach millionaire status by the age of 23.
Social Chain and Public Listing
In 2019, Social Chain went public, listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange after merging with German retailer Lumaland AG .
This was a major milestone for Bartlett, with the combined company, The Social Chain AG , valued at more than $200 million.
At the age of 27, Bartlett stepped down as co-CEO, paving the way for his new ventures. In 2023, the media group Brave Bison acquired The Social Chain AG for £7.7 million, though it remains unclear whether Bartlett profited from the buyout.
His departure from Social Chain allowed him to focus on other projects, particularly his podcast and investments.
The Diary of a CEO Podcast and Book Success
One of Bartlett’s most successful ventures after Social Chain is his podcast, The Diary of a CEO . Launched in 2019, the podcast quickly became a top-ranked show on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
The podcast features in-depth interviews with successful figures across various industries, such as Elon Musk, Boris Johnson, Simon Cowell, and Michael Bublé.
The podcast’s popularity and Bartlett’s engaging personality led to substantial earnings, reportedly generating $1.2 million in revenue in 2021.
In addition to the podcast, Bartlett published a book, The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life , which became a Sunday Times bestseller. Bartlett’s first book, Happy Sexy Millionaire , was also a bestseller.
His work has gained widespread acclaim, with his second book being translated into 35 languages. Bartlett even partnered with the UK Prison Service to distribute his book to inmates to inspire personal growth.
Investments and New Ventures
After stepping away from Social Chain, Bartlett focused on investments. He co-founded Thirdweb , a software platform designed to help entrepreneurs build and manage web3 apps.
Backed by major companies like Coinbase and Shopify, Thirdweb has seen impressive growth, with 55,000 users within nine months and a valuation of $160 million in 2022.
Bartlett also launched Flight Group , a marketing investment company that supports a variety of businesses, including those in the fields of biotech, blockchain, and health.
Steven Bartlett on Dragons’ Den
In 2021, Bartlett joined the Dragons’ Den panel, becoming the youngest dragon at just 28 years old. His sharp business acumen and investment strategy have made him a fan favorite on the BBC show, where he has pledged nearly £2 million in investments.
Steven Bartlett (Credit: X)
One of his most notable investments on the show was in Perfect Ted , a matcha energy drink brand. His involvement in Dragons’ Den further solidified his status as a leading entrepreneur and investor in the UK.
Personal Branding and Media Influence
Steven Bartlett’s success can also be attributed to his strong personal brand, which he cultivated through his podcast, public speaking engagements, and social media presence.
Bartlett’s approachable yet authoritative demeanor has made him a sought-after speaker, with appearances at Ted Talks and the United Nations.
His ability to connect with audiences and share actionable insights on success and personal development has played a major role in his wealth accumulation.
Simon Squibb’s journey from a homeless teen to a multi-millionaire entrepreneur is a remarkable tale of resilience, innovation, and ambition.
With an estimated net worth of approximately £510 million ($636 million) in 2024, Squibb has built a successful empire through his various business ventures, investments, and mission-driven projects that aim to empower others.
Early Life and Struggles
Squibb’s life story begins in a middle-class family in the UK. However, at the age of 15, tragedy struck when his father died suddenly of a heart attack. Soon after, a falling out with his mother led to Squibb being evicted from his home.
Left homeless and without a clear path forward, he found himself living on the streets, which would later serve as a crucible for his entrepreneurial mindset.
During this time of hardship, Squibb’s survival instincts kicked in, and he developed a passion for entrepreneurship.
Reflecting on those years, he credits his time on the streets with awakening the “entrepreneurial muscle” in his brain, teaching him essential skills like managing money, starting a business, and thinking resourcefully.
The First Step Toward Entrepreneurship
Despite his dire situation, Simon Squibb was determined to make something of himself. He started his first business, a gardening service, at just 15 years old.
Though this venture began as a necessity, it soon revealed his natural talent for business. The gardening company proved to be lucrative, giving him the financial stability needed to venture into other business opportunities.
It was his first taste of success and laid the foundation for the entrepreneurial career that would define his future.
Building Wealth and Expanding His Business Ventures
After establishing his first business, Simon Squibb’s entrepreneurial spirit took him to Hong Kong, where he saw greater potential in the larger, more dynamic market.
There, he launched Fluid, a creative agency that grew rapidly and attracted high-profile clients such as Estée Lauder China, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal Asia.
Fluid’s success culminated in a significant acquisition by PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) in 2015, marking a milestone in Squibb’s career and securing his financial future.
Simon Squibb (Credit: YouTube)
At the age of 40, Squibb found himself financially secure, having sold Fluid for a substantial sum. However, instead of retiring, he found a new sense of purpose.
The global COVID-19 pandemic sparked his desire to give back and support others in their entrepreneurial journeys.
This led to the creation of The Purposeful Project, an initiative designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs start their own businesses and achieve financial independence.
The Purposeful Project and HelpBnk
The Purposeful Project aims to assist people who want to start businesses by providing resources, advice, and mentorship.
Alongside this project, Squibb launched HelpBnk, a networking app that connects entrepreneurs and allows them to exchange ideas, experiences, and insights.
Through these platforms, Squibb hopes to impact over 10 million individuals, helping them turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
The Purposeful Project and HelpBnk align with Simon’s personal mission to create positive change by empowering others.
He is passionate about teaching people how to achieve financial freedom and build successful businesses, offering practical advice and guidance from his own experiences.
Investments and Mentorship
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Squibb has been an active investor. He has invested in over 70 companies, backing startups and helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses.
Some of the companies he has invested in include TableYeti, Podcast Radio, Heights, and Royal TW Water.
His investment strategy is driven by a desire to support innovative ideas and foster growth within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Simon’s extensive experience has made him a sought-after mentor, and he regularly shares his insights with young entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the business world.
Social Media Influence
Simon Squibb has also cultivated a strong presence on social media, particularly on TikTok and YouTube, where he engages with millions of followers.
On TikTok, he has amassed over 2.6 million followers, where he shares tips on entrepreneurship, discusses his own business journey, and provides motivational content for aspiring business owners.
On YouTube, Squibb offers a deeper dive into his entrepreneurial experiences, giving viewers access to valuable knowledge that can help them succeed in their own ventures.
His social media platforms not only boost his income but also amplify his mission to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Personal Life and Philosophy
Despite his busy career, Simon Squibb places great importance on his family. He is married to Helen Griffiths, an entrepreneur herself, and together they have a daughter and a son.
Simon often credits his wife for the support and partnership they share, which has contributed to their success as a family and in business.
Simon’s life and career are a testament to his philosophy that anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can achieve financial success and independence if they possess the right mindset and support.
His personal journey of overcoming homelessness and adversity to become a self-made millionaire serves as a powerful inspiration for others, showing that resilience and determination can lead to great success.
Simon Squibb’s Net Worth in 2024
As of 2024, Simon Squibb’s net worth is estimated to be £510 million ($636 million), a sum that reflects his achievements in business, investment, and entrepreneurship.
His wealth comes not only from the businesses he has created and sold but also from his continued investments and efforts to help others succeed.
Squibb’s financial success is a byproduct of his commitment to making a positive impact in the world and his unwavering belief in the power of entrepreneurship.
