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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zara Woodcock

Dragons' Den signs youngest tycoon ever as 28-year-old worth £300m joins show

Dragons' Den has replaced Vitabiotics CEO Tej Lalvani with the show's youngest-ever tycoon.

The new dragon, 28-year-old Steven Bartlett, is the CEO of social media marketing agency called The Social Chain.

He initially set up the booming company - which is valued at £300 million - in his bedroom in Manchester when he began at 22.

Tej confirmed he would be leaving the intense BBC show after four years in January, giving room to the young dragon.

He will join Dragons Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman and Sara Davies in the Den.

Filming for series 19 will begin this summer.

Steven started his company from his bedroom (PA)

Speaking of joining the show, Steven said: "It’s a tremendous honour to join the Den, hopefully representing a new generation of entrepreneurs, inspiring young and specifically under-represented entrepreneurs to follow in my footsteps."

The CEO has been watching the series since he was only 12 years old and confessed it was his "first window into the real world of business and investing."

Meanwhile, back in January, Tej revealed the 18th series of the show was going to be his last one.

Tej wants to focus on his business (BBC)

The star said his reason for leaving was to devote more time to his business interests.

"I'm truly excited for the upcoming series of Dragons' Den, which looks set to be one of the best," the Vitabiotics CEO said.

"However after an incredibly enjoyable four years as a Dragon I have decided that this next series will be my last," he added.

The businessman joined the programme for its 15th series, replacing Nick Jenkins who starred in just one season.

"My commitment to the international growth and expansion of my core business and the numerous investments over the years sadly means I will be unable to dedicate the necessary time moving forward.," he added.

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