Steven Bartlett, known for turning a simple $100 microphone into a successful podcast career with "The Diary Of A CEO," is ramping up his investment in the creator economy. Since launching his podcast from his Manchester bedroom, Bartlett has grown his media company, Steven.com, into a platform supporting over 500 creators and employing nearly 200 people. The company recently secured an impressive eight-figure investment aimed at expanding its reach in the creator space.

In a strategic move, Steven.com has partnered with Authentic Brands Group (ABG), which manages over 50 brands generating more than $38 billion in global retail sales annually. This collaboration has birthed OBSN (Obsession), a platform designed to enable creators to evolve into global business entities. Under this partnership, Steven.com will focus on media, technology, data, and audience growth, while ABG will handle brand development, licensing, strategic partnerships, and worldwide distribution.

OBSN intends to funnel millions of dollars into the creator economy, with plans to deploy up to $400 million in creator-led businesses in the coming years. Bartlett emphasized that reaching a large audience is just the first step, and OBSN’s goal is to help creators fully realize their business potential on a global scale. Authentic Brands Group CEO Matt Maddox highlighted the transformative power creators have in shaping media and entertainment, signaling their potential to become enduring multigenerational brands.

This partnership marks a significant evolution in how creator-driven enterprises are grown and scaled, merging Steven.com’s expertise in building media audiences with ABG’s extensive experience in brand expansion and product distribution. Together, OBSN aims to unlock massive investment opportunities within the creator economy, setting a new precedent for creator-led IP development and commercial success on a global stage.