Fintech CEO And Forbes 30 Under 30 Alum Has Been Charged For Alleged Fraud

Fintech CEO fraud charges filed against Kalder founder Gökçe Güven for alleged securities fraud, wire fraud, and visa deception.
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Fintech CEO And Forbes 30 Under 30 Alum Has Been Charged For Alleged Fraud
Fintech CEO Fraud Charges: Kalder Founder Indicted Federal prosecutors have charged 26-year-old Gökçe Güven, founder and CEO of New York fintech startup Kalder, with securities fraud, wire fraud, visa fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The Turkish national—featured on last year's Forbes 30 Under 30 list—allegedly misled investors during a $7 million seed round by inflating client numbers, fabricating revenue growth, and maintaining dual financial books. Authorities say Kalder's pitch deck claimed 79 active brand partnerships and $1.2 million in annual recurring revenue, figures prosecutors assert were largely fictional. Güven now faces serious federal charges that could reshape how early-stage fintech ventures are scrutinized by investors. Credit: Getty Images Who Is Gökçe Güven and What Was Kalder's Promise? Gökçe Güven launched Kalder in 2022 with an ambitious vision: transform corporate loyalty programs into profit centers. The startup pitched itself as a platform enabli…