Forbes Star Jailed for $7M Investor Fraud

Gökçe Güven, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from Turkey who was recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, has received a 25-month jail sentence in federal prison for deceiving investors and committing visa fraud. She founded Kalder Inc., a New York-based loyalty program startup, and was ordered by a Manhattan court to forfeit $6,717,997 and pay the same amount in restitution.

Prosecutors revealed that Güven falsely claimed significant growth in Kalder's revenue and customer base to over a dozen venture capital investors. She presented exaggerated financial figures and forged contracts to secure approximately $7 million. This deception was also used to obtain an O-1A visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, which has since been revoked.

Güven was arrested on November 27, 2025, and later indicted on charges including securities fraud, wire fraud, and visa fraud. She pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud on May 15, 2026. The Securities and Exchange Commission also filed a parallel civil case, leading to a judgment barring her from corporate officer roles for six years.

Prior to these legal troubles, Güven was considered a rising star, having founded Kalder in 2022 and been featured on Forbes' 2025 30 Under 30 list. Her case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile entrepreneurs involved in fraud, highlighting ongoing concerns about integrity in the startup ecosystem.