Forbes 30 Under 30 in Trouble Again: Fintech CEO Accused of Fraud
Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Gökçe Güven, the 26-year-old founder and CEO of fintech startup Kalder, has been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice with securities fraud, wire fraud, visa fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The Turkish entrepreneur, who was featured on last year’s list, is accused of misleading investors during a $7 million seed funding round in April 2024. Prosecutors allege that Güven presented a business plan containing false claims, including that 26 brands were using Kalder’s services—though many had no agreement with the company—and that the startup had reached $1.2 million in annual recurring revenue. The government also claims she maintained two sets of financial records and used fraudulent documents to obtain a U.S. visa. This case adds to the growing number of Forbes 30 Under 30 alumni facing legal troubles, including figures like Sam Bankman-Fried and Charlie Javice.
marsbit02/04 10:21
