When you think of modern Hollywood success stories, one name stands out –Matt Kaplan. Known as the producer behind some of the biggest young adult hits on Netflix, Kaplan has carved out a niche that turned into a goldmine. As of 2025, Matt Kaplan’s net worth is estimated at $50 million, a fortune built on savvy business decisions, blockbuster productions, and a forward-thinking vision of digital media.
This article takes a deep dive into how Matt Kaplan built his $50 million fortune, his rise in Hollywood, the founding of Ace Entertainment, his expansion into digital-first storytelling, and the career highlights that cemented his reputation as the YA hitmaker of Hollywood.
Matt Kaplan Biography Overview
Before we dive into the numbers, here’s a quick profile of Matt Kaplan’s life and career.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Kaplan |
| Date of Birth | April 14, 1984 |
| Age (2025) | 41 years old |
| Birthplace | California, USA |
| Education | Columbia University – BA in Film Studies |
| Occupation | Film Producer, CEO of Ace Entertainment |
| Notable Works | To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, XO, Kitty, Before I Fall, The Perfect Date |
| Companies Founded | Ace Entertainment (2017), Trending (2023, digital media venture) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $50 million |
| Spouse | Alexandra Cooper (married April 2024) |
Matt Kaplan Net Worth in 2025
Matt Kaplan’s net worth in 2025 is $50 million, making him one of the wealthiest film producers focused on young adult content. His earnings come from film production, streaming deals, licensing rights, and business ventures. Unlike directors or actors who earn per project, Kaplan’s wealth is rooted in long-term content ownership and production rights.
Income Streams Contributing to His Wealth
- Film and TV Production – Netflix originals like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and XO, Kitty.
- Streaming Deals – Partnerships with Netflix, Hulu, Paramount+, and Nickelodeon.
- Ace Entertainment Profits – Kaplan’s independent production company focusing on youth-oriented films.
- Digital Ventures (Trending) – Expansion into digital-first, Gen Z-focused content.
- Franchise Revenue – Licensing, sequels, and spinoffs.
Net Worth Growth Over Time
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $15 million |
| 2021 | $20 million |
| 2022 | $30 million |
| 2023 | $38 million |
| 2024 | $45 million |
| 2025 | $50 million |
This steady rise shows how Kaplan’s strategic focus on young adult storytelling paid off in a streaming-dominated era.
The Rise of Matt Kaplan in Entertainment
Kaplan didn’t stumble into success. His rise in Hollywood is a mix of education, industry experience, and smart project selection.
- Early Career: After graduating from Columbia University, Kaplan entered the entertainment industry through Lionsgate and CBS, where he learned the mechanics of production.
- Breakthrough: His first major production success was Before I Fall (2017), a teen drama that set the stage for his YA dominance.
- The Netflix Era: In 2018, Kaplan produced To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, which became a global sensation and made him the go-to producer for young adult films.
By positioning himself as the architect of relatable, emotional teen and young adult content, Kaplan built a brand in Hollywood that consistently attracts streaming giants.
Founding Ace Entertainment
In 2017, Kaplan made a bold move. He left studio-backed projects to start his own production house, Ace Entertainment, with a vision: create authentic, youth-driven films and series that speak to Millennials and Gen Z.
Ace Entertainment’s Most Successful Projects
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy (Netflix)
- The Perfect Date (2019)
- Spontaneous (2020)
- Are You Afraid of the Dark? reboot (Nickelodeon)
- XO, Kitty (2023 Netflix spinoff)
Business Impact of Ace Entertainment
- Brought Kaplan ownership of intellectual property (instead of working under studio constraints).
- Boosted his negotiating power with streaming platforms like Netflix.
- Created a sustainable pipeline of content appealing to younger demographics.
Ace Entertainment became Kaplan’s main revenue driver, fueling the bulk of his $50 million fortune.
Expanding Into Digital Media with “Trending”
In 2023, Kaplan co-founded Trending, a digital media company producing short-form, social-first content.
This expansion was strategic:
- Gen Z Focus: Targeting audiences consuming content on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube.
- Diversification: Reducing dependency on long-form streaming contracts.
- Future-Proofing: Positioning himself in both Hollywood and the creator economy.
While financial details of Trending aren’t public, industry analysts suggest it could become a major contributor to Kaplan’s net worth in the coming years.
Personal Life and Influence
Matt Kaplan’s personal life has also drawn media attention.
- In April 2024, he married Alexandra Cooper, host of the wildly popular podcast Call Her Daddy. Their union made headlines across entertainment and business media, blending Kaplan’s Hollywood clout with Cooper’s podcast empire.
- Kaplan is known for keeping a low-profile lifestyle, choosing to focus on business ventures rather than Hollywood’s red-carpet culture.
- His influence in Hollywood stems from being a trendsetter in youth entertainment, shaping how Gen Z consumes romance, drama, and coming-of-age stories.
Career Highlights That Boosted Matt Kaplan Net Worth
Kaplan’s career is filled with turning points that grew his influence — and his bank account.
Key Career Milestones
- 2013 – Produced They Came Together.
- 2017 – Breakthrough with Before I Fall.
- 2018 – Netflix hit To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before becomes a global success.
- 2019–2021 – Expanded Ace Entertainment’s portfolio with The Perfect Date and sequels of To All the Boys.
- 2023 – Launched XO, Kitty, a spinoff that strengthened Netflix ties.
- 2023 – Co-founded Trending, entering digital-first content production.
- 2024–2025 – Focused on scaling Ace Entertainment and building a media empire.
Recognition and Awards
While Kaplan isn’t an awards-season household name, his streaming success metrics speak louder. Netflix credited To All the Boys as one of its most-watched original films, solidifying his reputation as a reliable producer.
Conclusion
Matt Kaplan’s journey to a $50 million net worth in 2025 is a case study in smart entrepreneurship within entertainment. Instead of competing in the crowded blockbuster space, he tapped into youth-oriented storytelling, a genre that proved massively profitable in the streaming era.
With Ace Entertainment dominating Netflix’s teen catalog, and new ventures like Trending setting the stage for digital media, Kaplan’s fortune is expected to grow further. Beyond wealth, his influence lies in reshaping how Hollywood approaches young audiences — blending heartfelt narratives with binge-worthy streaming content.
Matt Kaplan isn’t just a producer. He’s a media entrepreneur whose playbook shows how passion, strategy, and timing can turn creativity into a $50 million empire.
FAQs
What is Matt Kaplan’s net worth in 2025?
Matt Kaplan’s net worth is $50 million in 2025, built from film production, streaming deals, and business ventures.
What are Matt Kaplan’s most successful movies?
The To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy, Before I Fall, The Perfect Date, XO, Kitty, and Are You Afraid of the Dark?.
How did Matt Kaplan make his money?
Through his company Ace Entertainment, Netflix partnerships, and expansion into digital-first media.
Is Matt Kaplan married?
Yes, he married Alexandra Cooper, host of Call Her Daddy, in April 2024.
What is Ace Entertainment known for?
Producing hit young adult films and series like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and XO, Kitty.
What’s next for Matt Kaplan’s career?
Further expansion into digital media, streaming partnerships, and possibly global franchise productions.
Ember Clark is an expert blogger passionate about cartoons, sharing captivating insights, trends, and stories that bring animation to life for fans worldwide.