Steven Bartlett first appeared as an investor on the UK programme Dragons' Den in 2022.
His arrival marked a generational change for the panel because Bartlett was known chiefly for digital entrepreneurship, social-media strategy and online media. He became one of the younger investors associated with the British series, contrasting with Dragons whose careers were established in traditional retail, property or manufacturing.
Bartlett’s appointment followed the growth of his public profile through Social Chain and The Diary of a CEO. His investment interests on the programme often reflect technology, consumer brands, media and digitally scalable businesses.
The year is sometimes confused with the year of a particular series rather than the calendar year of his debut. Bartlett joined the programme for its twentieth series, which aired in 2022. This is separate from the dates when he founded Social Chain or launched later media projects.