Fintech CEO and Forbes 30 Under 30 alum has been charged for alleged fraud

Gökçe Güven, Founder of Fintech Startup Kalder, Faces Federal Charges for Fraud

Recently, the Forbes 30 Under 30 list has gained notoriety for the number of individuals who end up facing fraud charges. Among the list’s alumni are prominent figures like Sam Bankman-Fried, Charlie Javice, Joanna Smith-Griffin, and Martin Shkreli. The latest addition to this trend is Gökçe Güven, a 26-year-old Turkish national and the CEO of Kalder, a fintech startup.

Kalder, based in New York, offers companies the opportunity to create and monetize individual rewards programs. Founded in 2022, the startup promises participating firms ongoing revenue streams through partner affiliate sales. Güven, who was featured on last year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list, boasted major clients like Godiva and the International Air Transport Association. Kalder also claimed backing from several prominent VC firms.

The U.S. Department of Justice recently charged Güven with securities fraud, wire fraud, visa fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The allegations stem from Kalder’s seed round in April 2024, where Güven reportedly raised $7 million from investors based on false information presented in a misleading pitch deck.

According to prosecutors, Kalder’s pitch deck contained inaccurate claims about the number of brands using the platform and the company’s revenue growth. The government alleges that Güven maintained two sets of financial books, one with inflated numbers to deceive investors. Additionally, she is accused of using false information and forged documents to secure a visa for individuals of “extraordinary ability” to work in the U.S.

JS reached out to Güven for a statement regarding the charges, with the CEO indicating that she would address the allegations on Tuesday.