Steven Bartlett's Founded.com to launch as a transatlantic tech news hub

Entrepreneur Steven Bartlett has launched a new journalism website called Founded.com. The platform will focus on technology news from the UK and US, with plans to go live in mid-December. Bartlett, known for his role on Dragons’ Den, will not shape the site’s editorial content despite his involvement. Founded.com will start with a team of 10 journalists and an editor-in-chief, split between the UK and the US. The site aims to cover technology companies across both regions. After an inquiry from City AM, the website was temporarily taken offline until its official launch.

Bartlett holds around 90% of Founded.com’s shares, with additional backing from investors like Slow Ventures and Apeiron Investment Group. The project falls under Steven.com, an umbrella company for his media, investment, and creator-tech businesses. This venture follows a funding round in October that valued Steven.com at £320 million. The entrepreneur has stepped back from other roles recently. He resigned as a director of Flight Story, his UK-based parent company, in October. Earlier, in February 2023, he left his position as a director of nutrition brand Huel.

Founded.com is set to launch with a dedicated team and clear focus on tech reporting. Bartlett’s financial stake remains significant, but he will not guide editorial decisions. The site’s temporary shutdown follows media scrutiny ahead of its planned December debut.