Steven Bartlett, well-known for his role on Dragons’ Den, has made headlines yet again with his new venture, Steven.com. This recently established company secured significant funding amounting to eight figures, which values the business at $425 million (£320 million). Steven.com will serve as the parent company for Bartlett’s growing portfolio of creator-related businesses, including FlightStory.
Expansion Plans and Ownership
Incorporated in the United States, Steven.com aims to facilitate Bartlett’s international expansion, especially in the American market. The funding deal allows Bartlett to maintain substantial control, holding over 90% ownership of the company and its interconnected divisions, including FlightCast and FlightFund.
The Vision: Less Than 1% Complete
At just 33 years old, Bartlett’s ambitions are vast. He has been hosting the podcast Diary Of A CEO since 2017 and has invested in approximately 60 businesses, reflecting his entrepreneurial prowess. Bartlett likens his journey to that of giants like Disney. He believes that investing in strong foundations can lead to a long-lasting business that may outlive him. “If we do a good job in laying good foundations, the business will exist long after I’m gone,” he stated.
Building the Disney of the Creator Economy
Bartlett envisions Steven.com becoming the “Disney of the creator economy.” He aims to scale and commercialize intellectual property in the creator space. “I want to build a world around creators that enhances their reach,” he explained.
Innovative Approach to Content Creation
During an exclusive interview, Bartlett shared insights on the operational innovations at FlightStory. The studio, located in Shoreditch, produces popular podcasts, including the Diary Of A CEO, which has garnered over 13 million subscribers on YouTube. Bartlett is enthusiastic about employing AI to enhance content production efficiency, indicating a dual approach where AI lowers costs while also creating jobs for talented video editors and content creators.
Realizing Opportunities Through Strategic Investments
Despite the rapid growth of his businesses, Bartlett remains pragmatic. He is deeply invested in the matcha drink brand Perfect Ted, having initially committed £50,000 and later providing an additional £1 million. He values these relationships beyond financial returns, focusing on personal enjoyment and fulfillment.
- Age: 33 years
- Podcast: Diary Of A CEO (since 2017)
- Number of Investments: Approximately 60
- Company Valuation: $425 million (£320 million)
- Ownership: Over 90% in Steven.com
A Grounded Perspective on Fame and Personal Life
Despite his high profile—with over 24 million social media followers—Bartlett’s life is surprisingly simple. He emphasizes the importance of sleep and maintaining balance while managing his growing empire. He aims to allocate time efficiently, considering both personal and professional commitments. “I think about the balance of time a lot,” he remarked.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Bartlett expresses a desire to build a family and continue contributing positively to the community. He is particularly focused on empowering individuals from minority backgrounds. “I dream of becoming a dad,” he shared, further reflecting on the responsibility that comes with success.
As Steven Bartlett embarks on this promising journey, he acknowledges that it is less than 1% complete. His vision for innovation and growth within the creator economy continues to unfold, making him a pivotal figure to watch in the coming years.
