Turkish CEO Gokce Guven Charged With Fraud Over $7 Million Raise

Gokce Guven, a 26-year-old Turkish entrepreneur and founder of fintech startup Kalder, has been charged in the United States with multiple counts of fraud, including securities fraud, wire fraud, visa fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The allegations, announced by the US Department of Justice, relate to Kalder’s seed funding round in April 2024.

Kalder, founded in 2022, helps companies create and monetize customer rewards programs via affiliate partnerships. Guven, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in 2025, claimed clients such as Godiva and the International Air Transport Association and presented the company as a fast-growing fintech disruptor.

Prosecutors allege that Guven raised approximately $7 million from over a dozen investors using falsified pitch materials. The deck claimed 26 brands were actively using Kalder and another 53 were in “live freemium” programs, while many were only pilots or had no agreements. It also inflated revenue, stating Kalder had reached $1.2 million in annual recurring revenue by March 2024.

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Further allegations include maintaining dual sets of financial records—one falsified for investors—to conceal the company’s true financial position. Guven is also accused of using forged documents and false claims to secure US visas for individuals of “extraordinary ability.”

If convicted, Guven faces serious legal consequences, joining a list of other Forbes 30 Under 30 alumni who have faced fraud charges, including Sam Bankman-Fried and Charlie Javice. The case underscores increasing scrutiny of startup fundraising claims and investor protections in the fintech sector.

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