Entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star Steven Bartlett is preparing to launch a new tech news website later this month as he expands his fast-growing media and business empire.
According to City AM, the publication, reportedly titled “Founded,” will cover the tech and startup landscape in the UK and US. Bartlett is expected to hire about 10 journalists in addition to an editor-in-chief as he builds a full newsroom.
A holding page on Founded.com has replaced previous preview content, but cached versions indicate the publication’s mission: “FOUNDED is a culturally fluid business publisher designed for today’s founders…trusted by entrepreneurs, operators and builders around the world.”
The move comes shortly after Bartlett unveiled a new parent company, Steven.com, and secured an eight-figure investment worth around £320 million. The US-incorporated company now houses the companies led by Bartlett, including FlightStory, FlightCast and FlightFund, with Bartlett retaining more than 90% ownership.
Bartlett has become one of the UK’s most influential business figures, hosting the podcast The Diary of a CEO since 2017 and investing in more than 60 companies including matcha drink Perfect Ted and drinks brand Cadence.
During a recent visit to FlightStory’s London headquarters, he said he viewed his current ventures as merely a starting point. “I did less than 1% on my trip,” he said. “If we do a good job of laying good foundations, I think the company will be around long after I’m gone.”
Drawing a comparison to Disney’s 102-year legacy, Bartlett said his goal is to build a generational media company that helps shape the future of the creator economy.
