We all know him as Mr. Paris Hilton these days, but let’s not get it twisted. Carter Reum isn’t just a Hollywood husband with a nice suit and a good smile. He’s a self-made millionaire, venture capitalist, best-selling author, and serial entrepreneur who’s been building an empire long before walking down the aisle with one of America’s most famous socialites.
So, how exactly did Carter Reum build his $20 million net worth? Let’s take a look inside the life (and bank account) of the man who went from the suburbs of Illinois to the glitz of Beverly Hills.
From Small-Town Roots to Wall Street Smarts
Carter was born on February 5, 1981, in Wayne, Illinois — a far cry from the flashing lights of Los Angeles. But it didn’t take long for him to make his mark. After graduating from Columbia University in 2003 with a degree in economics, he landed a prestigious role at Goldman Sachs. Think less entry-level analyst, more fast-track to the world of high-stakes finance.
Even back then, he wasn’t just chasing paychecks. He was learning the ropes, soaking up everything he could about the world of investing. And spoiler alert — he used that knowledge to build something far bigger later on.
Booze with a Mission: The VEEV Spirits Era
In 2007, Carter teamed up with his brother, Courtney Reum, to launch VEEV Spirits — a company that didn’t just want to sell alcohol, but to do it in a way that made a difference. Their flagship product, an Açaí-flavored spirit, wasn’t just trendy and tasty. It was sustainable, eco-friendly, and ahead of its time.
VEEV became the first spirits brand to earn carbon-neutral certification. Not only did the Reum brothers build a profitable business, they proved you could actually care about the planet and still cash in. That mix of mission and money caught the attention of both consumers and investors — and it put Carter on the map as a real player in the startup world.
M13: Where the Big Money Lives
If VEEV was the warm-up, M13 was the main act.
In 2016, the Reum brothers launched M13, a venture capital firm that would go on to invest in some of the biggest names in tech and lifestyle. We’re talking Lyft, Ring, Snapchat, Thrive Market and more. M13 has built a reputation for spotting winners early, and Carter is right in the middle of that magic.
The firm doesn’t just write checks. They mentor, strategize and scale. It’s like Shark Tank, but in real life — and with a much better return on investment.
Author, Mentor, and Startup Whisperer
In 2018, Carter and Courtney co-authored Shortcut Your Startup, a book that quickly gained traction among aspiring founders and seasoned execs alike. Packed with real-life insights and unconventional tips, the book showed readers how to move fast, think differently, and avoid the common traps of building a business from scratch.
It wasn’t just another celebrity cash grab. The advice came straight from their personal playbook — battle-tested and brutally honest.
Giving Back with Purpose
Carter’s success hasn’t stopped him from staying grounded. He’s heavily involved in philanthropy and socially conscious investing. Through M13 and previous ventures, he’s supported organizations like Pencils of Promise and The Art of Elysium, and he’s made sure that businesses he backs are doing good while doing well.
Even VEEV gave back by donating part of its profits to environmental causes. So yes, the man likes to give back — and not just when there’s a camera around.
A Power Couple for the 2020s
Of course, we can’t talk about Carter without talking about Paris.
They got engaged in early 2021 and tied the knot later that November in a dreamy, star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles. In January 2023, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Phoenix, via surrogacy. The baby’s arrival was kept private until Paris introduced him to the world in true Hilton fashion — with a viral Instagram reveal and a Netflix docuseries.
Carter also has a daughter from a previous relationship with actress Laura Bellizzi, though he’s kept that part of his life extremely low-key. Just another example of how he’s learned to balance fame with privacy.
The Bottom Line
Carter Reum may be known by some as “Paris Hilton’s husband,” but he’s quietly become one of the most influential figures in the world of modern business. With a net worth of $20 million, a portfolio of successful ventures, and a family rooted in both love and legacy, Carter is building more than wealth — he’s building impact.
Behind the scenes, he’s the guy pulling strings, making deals, and keeping his cool while the cameras roll. And let’s be honest, for someone married to the queen of Y2K glam, that’s a serious skill.
Smart, successful, and quietly powerful — Carter Reum might just be Hollywood’s most underrated businessman.
