Courtney Reum is a name that resonates strongly in the world of entrepreneurship, venture capital, and conscious consumerism. A former investment banker turned co-founder of the successful venture firm M13, Reum has carved out a distinctive niche for himself by backing and building brands that are both profitable and purpose-driven. From the boardroom to bestselling books, his influence spans multiple arenas, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to business and innovation.
Early Life and Education
Courtney Reum was born into a family with a strong legacy of business acumen. His father, Robert Reum, was the CEO of Amsted Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S. Raised in the Chicago area, Courtney absorbed the fundamentals of business from an early age.
He attended Columbia University, where he earned a degree in economics and developed a keen interest in global business trends. Later, he honed his strategic and financial skills at Harvard Business School, a move that would prepare him for his future roles in both corporate finance and entrepreneurship.
Career Beginnings: Wall Street to Startup World
Courtney began his career at Goldman Sachs, working in investment banking. During his tenure, he was exposed to major consumer brands and large-scale mergers and acquisitions. However, the rigid structure of Wall Street didn’t align with his entrepreneurial spirit. Craving a more dynamic and impactful career path, Courtney left Goldman Sachs and teamed up with his brother, Carter Reum, to start their venture.
Founding VEEV Spirits: A Sustainable Revolution in Alcohol
In 2007, the Reum brothers co-founded VEEV Spirits, a premium vodka alternative infused with acai berries and marketed as a better-for-you alcoholic beverage. VEEV quickly gained attention for its unique value proposition and commitment to sustainability—a rare quality in the alcohol industry at the time.
The company was an early advocate for eco-conscious manufacturing and social responsibility, which aligned perfectly with evolving consumer values. Under their leadership, VEEV became one of the fastest-growing independent spirits brands in the U.S., earning accolades and attracting major retailers. The brand was eventually acquired, marking a successful exit and paving the way for their next venture.
M13: Investing in the Future
In 2016, Courtney and Carter launched M13, a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm with a mission to invest in the “future of consumer behavior.” M13 focuses on early-stage startups in sectors such as health and wellness, food and beverage, direct-to-consumer products, and technology. Notable investments include Ring, Daily Harvest, ClassPass, and Lyft.
What sets M13 apart is its operational model, which pairs capital with a robust platform of resources—from branding and hiring to data science and go-to-market strategy. Courtney’s hands-on experience as a founder gives him unique insight into the challenges entrepreneurs face, making him a highly effective investor and advisor.
Author and Thought Leader
Courtney Reum is also a co-author of the bestselling book “Shortcut Your Startup: Ten Ways to Speed Up Entrepreneurial Success.” In it, the Reum brothers draw from their own experiences to offer actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale quickly and efficiently. The book has been praised for its pragmatic approach, blending anecdotes with strategies to demystify the startup journey.
He is frequently invited to speak at conferences and on podcasts, where he shares his perspectives on innovation, brand building, and the evolving landscape of venture capital.
Personal Life and Media Presence
Though primarily known for his business acumen, Courtney Reum has also been in the public eye for his connections to celebrities and high-profile social circles. He made headlines for his relationship with actress and entrepreneur Paris Hilton, whom his brother Carter, married in 2021. Courtney has managed to keep his personal life relatively private despite his growing media presence.
He has also been featured in major publications including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and Inc., highlighting his influence in both the financial and cultural arenas.
Legacy and Future Vision
Courtney Reum represents a new generation of entrepreneurs who prioritize impact as much as income. His ability to fuse profitability with purpose, while staying ahead of market trends, has made him a respected figure in both the startup and investment worlds.
Looking ahead, Reum shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s through launching new ventures, supporting disruptive founders, or influencing consumer trends, his career exemplifies what it means to build with intention and invest with insight. See More Business World Class
