Steven Bartlett
Architect of the Modern Entrepreneurial Renaissance
By Jane Stevens
In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving world, few individuals have managed to redefine entrepreneurship quite like Steven Bartlett. A dynamic force across media, investment, and technology, Bartlett is the quintessential modern entrepreneur: bold, unconventional, socially conscious, and unafraid to disrupt established norms. From humble beginnings to building a global brand, he has proven that grit, authenticity, and innovation can converge to create something extraordinary. With every venture, every podcast episode, and every investment, Bartlett not only builds businesses but also crafts narratives that inspire a generation to think bigger, act braver, and lead with purpose.
Steven Bartlett was born in Botswana in 1992 to a Nigerian mother and a British father, and was raised in Plymouth, England. His early years were marked by the complexities of multicultural identity, financial hardship, and a deep sense of not belonging. These formative experiences would later shape his vision and values. Despite the challenges, Bartlett demonstrated early signs of curiosity and ambition. He enrolled at Manchester Metropolitan University but dropped out at the age of 18, a bold move that sparked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.
After leaving university, Bartlett co-founded Social Chain, a social media marketing agency that quickly gained prominence in the digital marketing space. What set Social Chain apart was its youthful energy, creative campaigns, and sharp understanding of the power of social media platforms. Under his leadership, the company expanded rapidly, merged with German retailer Lumaland, and eventually went public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. At just 27 years old, Bartlett became one of the youngest CEOs of a publicly listed company in Europe.
His talents, however, extend far beyond one enterprise. In 2017, Bartlett launched “The Diary of a CEO,” a podcast offering a raw, unfiltered view into his entrepreneurial experiences. What began as a personal project evolved into one of the most influential business and lifestyle podcasts globally. Known for its emotional depth, authenticity, and high-profile guests, the podcast resonates with millions of listeners seeking honesty and insight in a world dominated by curated perfection. This success is a testament to Bartlett’s unique ability to foster genuine connection.
Bartlett is not just a storyteller; he is a visionary builder. In recent years, he founded Flight Story, a media and investment company designed to help public and emerging companies scale and thrive in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Flight Story comprises two key components:
Flight Studio, which focuses on scaling media brands, especially within the podcasting sphere, and Flight Fund, a $100 million investment fund supporting disruptive startups across a range of industries.
Through Flight Fund, Bartlett has invested in over 45 innovative companies. These include global leaders such as SpaceX, performance wearable brand WHOOP, and health-focused ventures like ZOE and Huel. Each investment reflects Bartlett’s overarching mission to empower companies that improve lives, expand the boundaries of technology, or reimagine how people interact with health and information. His talent for identifying high-potential startups and providing them with capital and guidance has earned him a respected place in the world of venture capital.
One of his most ambitious endeavors is Thirdweb, a company he co-founded to democratize Web3 development. Thirdweb equips developers with tools and infrastructure to build blockchain-based applications with ease, significantly lowering the barrier to entry. Within its first year, the company raised $24 million in Series A funding, reaching a valuation of $160 million. Bartlett’s involvement in Thirdweb signals his commitment to decentralization, digital equity, and the evolving needs of a tech-forward generation.
Despite his rapid rise, Bartlett remains deeply committed to social impact. In 2023, he partnered with Prince William on the Homewards initiative to combat youth homelessness in the UK. His involvement highlights a personal dedication to using his platform for the greater good, with a particular focus on mental health, diversity, and equal opportunity.
As an author, Bartlett has continued to influence and inspire. His debut book, Happy Sexy Millionaire, challenges traditional ideas of success, offering a refreshingly honest perspective on happiness, fulfillment, and ambition. His second book, The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life, distilled years of experience into powerful lessons, resonating with readers from all walks of life.
On a personal level, Bartlett promotes a disciplined and minimalist lifestyle. He frequently emphasizes the importance of sleep, nutrition, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence. His digital presence reflects a curated ecosystem of learning, introspection, and empowerment, rather than vanity or excess.
Steven Bartlett’s story is more than a tale of entrepreneurial success. It is a portrait of a new leadership model for a generation that values authenticity over authority, empathy over ego, and purpose over profit. He stands out as a rare figure who listens, evolves, and builds with both strategic intelligence and emotional depth. His seamless fusion of media, technology, and human insight sets the stage for a more conscious and creative future in business.
What makes Steven Bartlett truly remarkable is not merely the breadth of his achievements, but the authenticity and emotional resonance behind them. He does more than launch ventures or host interviews. He challenges perceptions, sparks meaningful conversations, and empowers others to follow their own path with clarity and courage. In a world searching for leadership that inspires from within, Steven Bartlett is more than an entrepreneur—he is a voice of a generation, and a movement in the making.
