Derek Xiao Biography: Age, Ex-Girlfriend, Height, Parents, Net Worth, TV Shows, Instagram

Derek Xiao is a sharp American reality television personality, entrepreneur, product developer, and content creator best known for competing on CBS’s Big Brother 23 and winning Season 34 of The Amazing Race alongside his then-girlfriend Claire Rehfuss.

As a strategic player and startup founder, he impressed audiences with his analytical mindset, calm demeanor, and business acumen while building ventures in meal kits and video editing.

Through his post-show work in creator economy products, Cameo appearances, and honest reflections on life after reality TV, he continues to inspire fans with his ambition and adaptability.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Derek Xiao
• Stage Name: Derek Xiao
• Born: March 20, 1997
• Age: 29 years old
• Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Reality Star, Entrepreneur, Product Developer, Content Creator
• Height: 1.80 m
• Parents: Mr. Xiao and Mrs. Xiao
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Claire Rehfuss
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Broken up
• Net Worth: $1.5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Derek Xiao was born on March 20, 1997, in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Brought up by his parents Mr. Xiao and Mrs. Xiao in a family environment that encouraged education and entrepreneurship.

He grew up in the Baltimore area and developed an interest in business and technology from a young age.

He attended the University of Maryland, where he honed skills in finance, accounting, and startup ideas while learning to cook diverse meals inspired by his mother’s Chinese cooking. He has unknown siblings.

His ethnicity is American. His religion is Christianity.

Career

Derek Xiao began his professional path as a startup founder in New York City, creating a company that ships meal kits curated by food influencers across the United States.

He also launched his own video editing company called Scenery, focusing on high-quality content production for creators.

He gained national fame in 2021 as a houseguest on Big Brother 23, entering with limited game knowledge but using strategic thinking and social alliances to reach tenth place.

After the show he partnered with fellow houseguest Claire Rehfuss to compete on The Amazing Race 34, where the duo won the season and the million-dollar prize through strong teamwork and determination.

Derek has continued building in the creator economy as a product developer and has appeared on related reality projects including The Challenge: USA.

He remains active through Cameo personalized videos, social media content, and entrepreneurial ventures that blend his analytical background with entertainment exposure.

His honest approach to balancing business ambitions with reality TV fame has earned him respect in both startup and fan communities while he explores new opportunities in product development and digital content.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @derekxiao_
• TikTok Handle: @derekxiao_

Personal Life

Derek Xiao, 29 years old, is currently single. He previously dated fellow Big Brother 23 houseguest Claire Rehfuss starting in 2021 after connecting in the jury house.

The couple competed together on The Amazing Race 34, won the season, and shared four years together before announcing their amicable breakup in September 2025, stating they wanted different things.

No other past relationships are widely detailed publicly, and he has no children. He values personal growth and frequently shares insights on career and life transitions.

Net Worth

Derek Xiao’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million USD.

His income primarily comes from entrepreneurial ventures including his meal kit shipping company and video editing business Scenery, reality television appearances and prize winnings from Big Brother 23 and The Amazing Race 34, brand collaborations, Cameo personalized videos, and content creation opportunities in the creator economy space.