Entrepreneurial Brothers Courtney and Carter Reum Sell VEEV Spirits and Launch M13 Brand Development Studio
LOS ANGELES, April 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Entrepreneurs and Founders of VEEV Spirits, Courtney and Carter Reum, announced the formation of M13, a diversified holding and branding development company at the nexus of consumer brands, media and technology. M13 will focus on building emerging entrepreneurial businesses in Los Angeles, leading more than $100 million of investment over the next 5 years. The formation of M13 follows the announcement that the Reum brothers sold a majority stake of VEEV Spirits to St. Louis based Luxco, including the award-winning brands VEEV Spirit, a 70 proof vodka alternative, and VitaFrute™ Cocktails by VEEV®, the first line of certified organic ready-to-drink cocktails.
"While we were focused on building VEEV, we often worked with other brands as investors and board members with a very successful hands on approach," said M13 Co-Founder Carter Reum. "We took VEEV Spirits through every stage of development: seeing the market opportunity, developing the product, selling it out of the back of our cars, building our customer base, marketing it nationally, creating brand extensions, and successfully selling the brand to a larger company."
"Successful entrepreneurs like to support other entrepreneurs," added M13 Co-Founder Courtney Reum. "We can offer more direct guidance than traditional venture capitalist firms and tech incubators. We have a holistic approach and personal experience growing businesses from operations to capitalization to sales and marketing."
At launch, M13 already has investments and involvement in more than 50 companies spanning consumer brands, media and technology, including well-known names like Pinterest, Lyft, SpaceX, Warby Parker, Bonobos, Thrive Market, Tender Greens, Pressed Juicery, KeVita, Blue Bottle Coffee, BirchBox, Ring and more.
After successful careers at Goldman Sachs, Courtney and Carter Reum established VEEV Spirits in 2007 as a two-man startup. They sought to change the spirits industry by creating a one-of-a-kind vodka alternative. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability earned VEEV the title of winner of the Technomic Fast 50 Award, and one of the "250 Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S." by Inc. Magazine. Carter and Courtney were named as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs of both 2014 and 2015 by Goldman Sachs at its annual Builders + Innovators Summit. VEEV Spirits quickly expanded with the addition of VitaFrute™ Cocktails by VEEV, the first line of organic ready-to-drink cocktails helping to double the size of the company in 2 years.
The Reums' new venture, M13, derives its name from the brightest cluster of stars in the galaxy. The sum collection of the stars shines brighter than their individual parts. M13 will help brands connect to all the unique offerings of Los Angeles including access to strong content creators, influencers, celebrities, technology innovators, sports figures, iconic lifestyle brands and a unique entrepreneurial spirit which blends all of those together.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, M13 launches this week. To learn more visit www.m13company.com.
About M13
M13 refers to the brightest cluster of stars in the galaxy with the sum of the parts being greater than the whole. As such, M13 is a newly formed, diversified holding company founded by entrepreneurial brother duo Courtney and Carter Reum. M13 is at the nexus of Consumer brands, Media and Tech with a diversified portfolio of nearly 50 marquee companies with a range of involvement (operators, incubators, board members/advisors and investors).
About VEEV® Spirits LLC
VEEV® Spirits LLC was founded by brothers Courtney Reum and Carter Reum. What started as a two-man startup in 2007, grew into one of the best-selling independent liquor brands in the U.S. VEEV Spirits was ranked amongst the 250 fastest growing companies and brands in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine (September 2011) and won the Technomic Fast 50 Award in 2013.
Founded on the philosophy of A Better Way to Drink™, the Reums created VEEV Spirit as a better alternative to vodka by using only the best ingredients including the Brazilian açaí berry prickly pear, acerola cherry and other natural ingredients. They also implemented sustainable business practices, a philosophy that VEEV upholds and promotes in everything they do.
VEEV Spirits is an active member of 1% for the Planet®, where 1% of topline sales are donated to environmental initiatives, and is crafted in the only distillery in America that operates on renewable wind powered energy. VEEV is also proud to be The World's First Carbon Neutral Spirit®.
In 2012, VEEV Spirits launched Organic VitaFrute™ Cocktails by VEEV®, the first line of organic ready-to-drink cocktails. At under 125 calories per serving and 15% ALC/VOL (30 proof), VitaFrute Cocktails are made with all-natural ingredients and can enjoyed by simply pouring over ice.
To learn more visit www.veevlife.com. Find a bottle near you by visiting veevlife.com/find. Follow @VEEV on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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