Carter Reum was born on February 5, 1981, in Wayne, Illinois, a quiet suburb outside of Chicago. He grew up in a well-established family with deep business roots. His father, Robert Reum, served as CEO of Amsted Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S. This kind of upbringing gave Carter an early look into leadership, finance, and corporate discipline.
He wasn’t alone in this environment. Carter was raised alongside his brother Courtney Reum, who would later become his business partner, and his sister Halle Reum, now connected to the prominent Annenberg family through marriage. Together, they shared a high-achieving household built on education, responsibility, and ambition.
Academic Roots at Columbia University
Education played a big role in Carter’s life. He attended Columbia University in New York City and graduated in 2003 with a degree in economics. While there, he joined the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, forming lifelong friendships and connections. His academic path set the stage for a professional life that would blend finance with creative entrepreneurship.
Both of his siblings also attended Columbia, which speaks to the family’s value on education. Even years later, Carter often credits the experience as pivotal in shaping his approach to problem-solving and business building.
A Shift from Wall Street
After graduating, Carter took the traditional route and joined Goldman Sachs as an investment banker. It was a promising start—steady, prestigious, and full of opportunity. But Carter wasn’t fulfilled. He wanted more than to push numbers around a desk. He craved building something from scratch.
By 2007, he left Wall Street and joined forces with his brother Courtney to pursue something bold: launching their own business. That leap of faith became a defining moment in his story.
Building VEEV Spirits
The brothers founded VEEV Spirits, an açaí-infused liquor brand that was ahead of its time. Not only did it deliver a unique flavor profile, but it also became one of the first carbon-neutral alcohol brands in the U.S. The company blended business with sustainability—two passions Carter held close.
VEEV took off. It became a staple in upscale bars and earned recognition from Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing private companies. The Reums eventually sold the brand, freeing up capital and experience to tackle their next big idea.
Founding M13: A Modern VC Firm
In 2016, Carter co-founded M13, a venture capital firm aimed at scaling consumer brands. Unlike traditional VCs, M13 focused on investing not just in startups but also in the infrastructure to help them grow. The firm has backed names like Lyft, Pinterest, Ring, Daily Harvest, and Rothy’s.
M13’s success has placed it among the top-performing VC firms globally. It’s ranked 14th in the world in the HEC–Dow Jones Venture Capital Performance Ranking. Carter isn’t just writing checks—he’s shaping how modern consumers engage with brands.
Author and Entrepreneurial Voice
In 2018, Carter and his brother co-authored a book called Shortcut Your Startup: Ten Ways to Speed Up Entrepreneurial Success. The book isn’t just theory—it’s filled with real lessons from their journey with VEEV and M13. It covers everything from hiring the right team to exiting gracefully.
Carter has also contributed articles to publications like Huffington Post, Inc., and has appeared on shows such as Hatched, where he offered mentorship to aspiring business owners.
Estimated Net Worth
Carter Reum’s net worth is estimated between $20 million and $40 million, depending on the source. The figure varies because many of his investments are private and not publicly disclosed. However, it’s clear that his fortune stems from his own business ventures—not simply inherited wealth.
His financial success includes revenue from VEEV’s sale, investments through M13, book sales, and speaking engagements. While he lives comfortably, Carter keeps a relatively low profile compared to celebrity entrepreneurs.
Marriage to Paris Hilton
Carter stepped further into the public eye when he began dating Paris Hilton, a longtime family friend. Their relationship became public in 2020, and they got engaged on her birthday in early 2021. That November, they tied the knot in a lavish three-day celebration in Los Angeles.
Their dynamic works: Carter provides grounded business insight, while Paris brings global brand power. Together, they’ve appeared in the docuseries Paris in Love, giving fans a glimpse into their private life, wedding planning, and shared values.
Fatherhood and Family Life
Carter and Paris now share two children: their son Phoenix, born in January 2023, and daughter London, born in November 2023. Both were born via surrogate, a choice the couple made to prioritize health and privacy.
In addition, Carter has a daughter from a previous relationship with Laura Bellizzi, born in 2011. While he is not actively involved in raising her, he has acknowledged paternity and provides financial support.
Physical Appearance and Style
Carter is often described as having a clean-cut, classic appearance. He stands at approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), with dark brown hair and brown eyes. His style blends business-casual with understated luxury—usually seen in tailored jackets, white shirts, and minimal accessories.
His public persona reflects professionalism and quiet confidence, often complementing Paris’s more glamorous, outgoing image.
Social Media and Public Image
On Instagram (@carterreum_official), Carter shares curated glimpses into his family life, travel, and professional projects. Unlike many public figures, he doesn’t over-share. His posts feel personal, not performative.
Professionally, Carter is also active on LinkedIn, where he discusses trends in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and startup growth. His dual presence keeps him connected to both the business world and a more mainstream audience.
Fun Facts That Might Surprise You
- Carter’s favorite cocktail? A simple VEEV with soda and lime—he keeps it classic.
- He once turned down a high-paying promotion at Goldman Sachs to start VEEV.
- He and his brother used their Columbia education to test their business models using student network feedback before launching publicly.
- Carter reportedly proposed to Paris on a private island, designing the ring himself with jeweler Jean Dousset.
Final Thoughts
Carter Reum is more than just Paris Hilton’s husband. He’s a self-made entrepreneur, investor, author, and father who’s carved his own identity through smart business decisions and grounded values. With a background in finance and a passion for innovation, Carter has turned ideas into successful ventures—all while balancing family, media attention, and philanthropy.
Whether you’re interested in startups, personal branding, or just enjoy stories of people building life on their own terms, Carter’s journey is one worth following.
FAQs About Carter Reum
1. What is Carter Reum best known for?
Carter Reum is best known as a successful entrepreneur, co-founder of VEEV Spirits, and founding partner of venture capital firm M13. He’s also widely recognized as the husband of media personality Paris Hilton.
2. How did Carter Reum make his money?
Carter built his wealth through launching VEEV Spirits, investing in startups via M13, writing a business book, and public speaking. Most of his income comes from his own ventures rather than inherited wealth.
3. Does Carter Reum have children?
Yes, Carter has three children. He shares two kids—Phoenix and London—with Paris Hilton, both born via surrogate. He also has a daughter from a previous relationship.
4. Is Carter Reum active on social media?
Carter maintains a selective social presence. You can find him on Instagram (@carterreum_official) and LinkedIn, where he shares glimpses of family life and business insights.
