In a shocking revelation that reads like an international thriller, Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett has disclosed how his £690 million company faced terrifying death threats from a notorious Chechen warlord, forcing the entrepreneur to make a dramatic escape from Russia.
The Russian Nightmare Begins
The multimillionaire businessman, known for his sharp investments on the BBC series, found himself in a dangerous situation when his social media marketing company Social Chain expanded into the Russian market. What began as a promising business venture quickly turned into a life-threatening ordeal.
'I genuinely feared for my life,' Bartlett confessed in a recent interview, describing the chilling moment when threats emerged from Ramzan Kadyrov, the strongman leader of Chechnya known for his brutal regime and human rights abuses.
The £690 Million Company Under Siege
Social Chain, which Bartlett co-founded and grew into a social media powerhouse, had established a significant presence in Russia with offices and staff in Moscow. The company's work with major Western brands made it a visible target in the increasingly tense geopolitical landscape.
'We had to make an impossible choice,' Bartlett revealed. 'Abandon our Russian team and operations or risk facing the wrath of one of the most dangerous men in the region.'
The Dramatic Escape
In scenes reminiscent of a spy novel, Bartlett was forced to orchestrate his exit from Russia while ensuring the safety of his remaining staff. The entrepreneur described the heart-wrenching decision to leave behind employees who couldn't easily depart the country.
'Walking away from people who had trusted me with their careers was one of the most difficult moments of my professional life,' the Dragon shared, his voice tinged with emotion.
Life After the Russian Exit
Since the forced departure, Bartlett has refocused his energies on his Dragons' Den role and other business ventures, including his highly successful Diary of a CEO podcast. The experience has left an indelible mark on how he approaches international expansion.
'Some markets simply aren't worth the risk, no matter how promising they appear,' Bartlett stated, reflecting on the lessons learned from his Russian nightmare.
The story serves as a stark warning to other British businesses considering expansion into politically volatile regions, highlighting the very real dangers that can lurk beneath seemingly lucrative opportunities.
