Another Forbes 30 Under 30 Star Faces Federal Fraud Charges: Fintech Founder Accused of Deceiving Investors
The prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list, long celebrated for spotlighting young innovators, is facing renewed scrutiny over its track record. Following high-profile fraud cases involving alumni like Sam Bankman-Fried and Charlie Javice, federal prosecutors have now charged another list member: 26-year-old fintech founder Gökçe Güven.
Güven, the Turkish national who founded New York-based rewards platform Kalder in 2022, was indicted last week on multiple counts including securities fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges she orchestrated a scheme to mislead investors during a $7 million seed funding round in April 2024.
Kalder, which promised to help companies "Turn Your Rewards into a Revenue Engine," claimed partnerships with major brands like Godiva and the International Air Transport Association. However, investigators say these claims were exaggerated or false. According to the indictment, Kalder's pitch deck inflated the number of active clients, fabricated recurring revenue figures showing $1.2 million in annual revenue by March 2024, and maintained two sets of financial books—one with "false and inflated numbers" for investors.
"Many brands listed had no agreement with Kalder whatsoever—not even for free services," prosecutors stated, noting that some were only offered heavily discounted pilot programs. The DOJ further alleges Güven used forged documents about Kalder's success to fraudulently obtain an O-1 visa, reserved for individuals of "extraordinary ability."
Güven, who was featured in Forbes' 2023 Enterprise Technology category, has stated she will issue a public response to the charges this week. The case highlights ongoing concerns about oversight in venture capital fundraising and the credibility of startup metrics, particularly among young, high-profile founders.
Industry Reactions:
"This is a sobering reminder that due diligence cannot be replaced by a flashy pitch deck or a prestigious accolade," says Marcus Thorne, a venture partner at Horizon Capital. "Investors must look beyond the surface, especially when dealing with complex revenue-sharing models."
"It's devastating for the ecosystem," comments Priya Sharma, an early-stage startup advisor. "Genuine founders, especially women and immigrants, now face higher barriers because trust is eroded by cases like this."
"Enough is enough. Forbes needs to seriously reconsider how it vets these lists," argues David Keller, a fintech blogger known for his critical stance. "This isn't a coincidence—it's a pattern. They're celebrating hustlers as visionaries, and investors are left holding the bag."
"The visa fraud allegation is particularly concerning," adds Elena Rodriguez, an immigration attorney specializing in entrepreneur visas. "It undermines the integrity of a program designed to attract real talent to the U.S."