When Paris Hilton married Carter Reum the world took notice not just of the glitz and glamour, but also of the man behind the star. Carter Reum, an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, has carved a name for himself independent of Hollywood. In this extensive look into his life, you’ll learn how Carter built his career, what his net worth is, and how he rose to prominence all through business acumen rather than tabloid fame.
Early Life & Education
Carter Milliken Reum was born on February 5, 1981, in Wayne, Illinois, into a family with a legacy in industry. His father, Robert Reum, led Amsted Industries a Chicago-based manufacturing powerhouse ranking among the largest privately held U.S. companies .
Carter earned his degree in economics from Columbia University, graduating in 2003 an academic achievement shared with his brother, Courtney.
Launching a Career From Banking to Brand-Building
- Investment Banking Beginnings
Fresh out of college, Carter entered the corporate world with a stint at Goldman Sachs from approximately 2004 to 2006 where he worked with clients including major lifestyle brands.
- The Birth of VEEV Spirits
In 2007, Carter and his brother launched VEEV Spirits, açaí-based liquor with an eco-conscious mission, becoming one of America’s first carbon-neutral alcohol brands. The company earned recognition as among Inc. Magazine’s fastest-growing private companies.
The duo sold a majority stake to Luxco in 2016, reportedly at a valuation exceeding seven times their annual revenue, which positioned the company’s sale around $35 million or more.
- Scaling Up Founding M13 Ventures
Building on their success, Carter and Courtney founded M13 in 2016, a Los Angeles–based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage consumer tech and lifestyle brands. Their portfolio includes big names like Lyft, Pinterest, Snapchat, Ring, Daily Harvest, SpaceX, and more.
By 2023, M13 ranked 14th globally in the HEC‑Dow Jones VC Performance Ranking and as of mid-2025 had $450 million in assets under management.
Authorship & Media Influence
Carter is also a published author. Together with his brother, he wrote Shortcut Your Startup: Ten Ways to Speed Up Entrepreneurial Success, a practical guide for budding entrepreneurs.
He has contributed articles to Inc. Magazine and Huffington Post, and made media appearances on shows like Hatched, as well as commentary spots on CBS and Fox.
Carter Reum’s Net Worth in 2025
Estimates of Carter’s net worth in 2025 vary, but most credible sources place it between:
- $20 million and $40 million, as per Celebrity Net Worth and multiple finance outlets.
- A high-end estimate reaches $40 million, according to in-depth profiles.
These figures derive from earnings generated by:
- The sale of VEEV Spirits
- M13’s investments and returns
- Real estate holdings, including an $8.4 million Malibu home (2021) and a $21.5 million leased Beverly Park mansion (2023),
- And royalties from his book and media contributions.
Family & Personal Life with Paris Hilton
- Meeting & Marriage
Carter and Paris Hilton had known each other for over 15 years as family friends before their romance began in December 2019. They got engaged in February 2021, and celebrated their union with a lavish three-day wedding on November 11, 2021, in Los Angeles.
Their relationship and wedding were featured in Paris’s Peacock docuseries Paris in Love.
- Children and Family Life
The couple welcomed two children via surrogate:
- A son, Phoenix Barron, in January 2023
- A daughter, London, in November 2023.
They’re often seen together at high-profile events such as the 2025 Oscars, where baby Phoenix donned his first tux, matching Carter.
- A Previous Chapter
Carter is also the father of a daughter from a previous relationship with former reality star Laura Bellizzi. While not a traditional parent-child relationship, he has acknowledged and provided for her.
Career Timeline & Impact
Here’s a snapshot of Carter Reum’s career milestones:
- 1981: Born in Illinois
- 2003: Graduated from Columbia University
- 2004–2006: Worked at Goldman Sachs
- 2007: Co-founded VEEV Spirits
- 2016: Sold VEEV; co-founded M13 Ventures
- 2018: Published Shortcut Your Startup
- 2021: Married Paris Hilton
- 2023: Welcomed two children via surrogacy
Conclusion & Summary
Carter Reum is far more than Paris Hilton husband. He built his career on entrepreneurial grit, investment insight, and strategic vision from launching an eco-conscious spirits brand to leading a high-profile venture capital firm. As of 2025, his net worth ranges between $20 million and $40 million, secured through business acumen rather than celebrity. Their union pairs two power individuals from different worlds Paris, a legacy of entertainment and branding, and Carter, a builder of enterprises and investor in tomorrow’s innovators.
