Steven Bartlett, the 28-year-old entrepreneur and founder of Social Chain, has confirmed he will be leaving his role as a Dragon on the BBC's Dragons' Den. Bartlett, who joined the show in 2022 as the youngest ever Dragon, said his departure is part of a natural progression in his career.
In a statement, Bartlett explained that he wants to focus on other projects, including his podcast Diary of a CEO and his investment firm. He described his time on the show as 'incredible' and thanked the production team and fellow Dragons for the experience.
Bartlett's tenure on Dragons' Den was notable for his casual dress sense, often appearing in a snapback hat and hoodie rather than a suit. He said he wanted to represent a more modern, diverse image of entrepreneurship, particularly for young Black men.
During his time on the show, Bartlett invested in several businesses, including a vegan skincare brand and a sustainable packaging company. He said he was proud to have helped founders from underrepresented backgrounds.
The BBC has not yet announced a replacement for Bartlett. The new series of Dragons' Den is expected to air later this year.
