Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Steven Bartlett and Authentic Launch $400 Million Creator Venture
Steven Bartlett and Authentic have created a new venture called OBSN.
It is meant to help creators build companies, not just make content.
OBSN already has a platform with news and analysis about the creator economy.
It also plans to organize live events, festivals and awards.
The platform has more than one million Instagram followers.
OBSN may invest up to $400 million in creator-led businesses.
It will help creators with products, licensing, partnerships and international expansion.
Each deal will be designed for the individual creator.
Steven Bartlett and Authentic have launched OBSN to scale creator-led businesses.
OBSN’s platform offers creator-economy news, analysis and live experiences.
The platform is already live and has more than one million Instagram followers.
OBSN plans to invest up to $400 million in creator businesses over the coming years.
Partnerships may cover media, consumer products, licensing, investment and international growth.
- Who
- Steven Bartlett and Authentic, led by Authentic President and CEO Matt Maddox.
- What
- They launched OBSN, a venture providing infrastructure, expertise and investment for creator-led businesses.
- When
- The platform is already live, with investment planned over the coming years; no specific launch date is given.
- Where
- The articles do not specify a physical location for the venture.
- Why
- The venture aims to help creators expand beyond content creation and build global media companies and consumer brands.
- Venture
- OBSN
- Founders
- Steven Bartlett and Authentic
- Planned investment
- Up to $400 million over the coming years
- Platform status
- Already live
- Audience
- More than one million Instagram followers
- Planned expansion
- Additional content formats, channels, festivals and official awards
- Authentic portfolio
- More than 50 brands across more than 150 countries