Gokce Guven, Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree, Faces Fraud Charges

Gokce Guven, a Forbes 2025 30 Under 30 honoree and founder of fintech startup Kalder, faces multiple fraud charges, including securities fraud, wire fraud, visa fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The alleged scheme, which began in April 2024, involved defrauding investors of approximately $7 million through false representations about Kalder's financials and partnerships. Guven also allegedly used similar misrepresentations and forged documents to obtain an O-1A "extraordinary ability" visa in Fall 2025. She was arrested on November 27, 2025, and formally indicted on January 29, 2026. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of up to 52 years in prison. The case is currently assigned to U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan.