From Forbes 30 Under 30 to Federal Court: Fintech Founder Charged in $7 Million US Fraud Case That Shakes Startup World

A high-profile US legal case has emerged this week involving a young fintech founder once celebrated as a rising star in the tech world. Gökçe Güven, a 26-year-old Turkish entrepreneur and former Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, has been charged by US federal prosecutors with multiple counts of fraud, including investor deception and visa misrepresentation.

The indictment, brought by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, accuses Güven of misleading investors to secure approximately $7 million in seed funding for her New York-based fintech company, Kalder Inc. Prosecutors also allege she used false information and forged documents to obtain a visa reserved for individuals with “extraordinary ability”.

Allegations: Misleading Investors and Inflated Claims

Federal prosecutors say Güven offered exaggerated and misleading information about Kalder’s business performance to win investor support during a seed funding round in April 2024. According to the indictment:

• The pitch materials claimed Kalder had dozens of brands actively using its platform, when in fact many of these partnerships were either limited pilot programmes or non-existent.
• Revenue figures were also reportedly overstated. Officials say the deck claimed Kalder had reached $1.2 million in annual recurring revenue by March 2024, a figure prosecutors allege was not accurate.
• Prosecutors allege that two different sets of financial records existed, one real for internal review and one inflated version shown to investors.

According to authorities, these misrepresentations helped Güven secure roughly $7 million from more than a dozen investors, funding she is now accused of obtaining through deception.

Visa Fraud Charges: O-1A “Extraordinary Ability” Misuse

In addition to investor fraud allegations, Güven is charged with visa fraud related to her application for an O-1A visa. This visa category is reserved for individuals with “extraordinary ability” in fields such as business, science or technology.

Prosecutors allege that in her visa application, Güven submitted false statements and forged letters of support from executives who were unaware of their inclusion. Authorities claim she used inflated company achievements and these questionable documents to bolster her case for the visa.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) also charged Güven with aggravated identity theft, a serious offence that often carries mandatory prison time if convicted.

Who Is Gökçe Güven and What Is Kalder?

Güven founded Kalder Inc. in 2022. The company described itself as a platform helping brands turn customer rewards programmes into recurring revenue streams through digital loyalty and affiliate solutions.

Her inclusion on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2025 brought significant attention. The magazine profile highlighted major clients and venture-capital backing, helping raise Kalder’s profile in startup circles.

However, the current indictment challenges those public success claims, suggesting that some of the high-profile brand mentions and financial metrics were not as solid as presented to investors.

Legal Proceedings and Possible Consequences

Güven was taken into custody in the United States later in January 2026 and is scheduled to appear in federal court in New York as the case proceeds. Prosecutors emphasise that charges are allegations and that she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

If convicted, Güven could face significant prison sentences, including up to 20 years for securities and wire fraud, notable penalties for visa fraud, and mandatory time for aggravated identity theft.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about startup financial reporting, investor due diligence, and the integrity of immigration channels like the O-1A visa. Authorities have stressed that misleading investors and federal agencies will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.