Fintech Founder Alleged to Fake Revenue, Brand Deals, and Visa Docs for $7M Fundraise

A New York startup that was previously highlighted as a fresh approach to brand loyalty is now facing legal trouble. Gökçe Güven, the fintech founder, has been charged with securities fraud, wire fraud, visa fraud, and aggravated identity theft by prosecutors in the Southern District of New York. Güven, a Turkish national, established Kalder in 2022, presenting it as a fintech marketing platform aimed at assisting brands in creating and profiting from customized rewards programs.

The U.S. Department of Justice revealed that Güven initiated a seed funding round in 2024, securing around $7 million from over a dozen investors. Prosecutors claim that the fundraising was based on a pitch deck containing false information about Kalder’s financial status, brand partnerships, and customer base.

Investigations uncovered discrepancies in the pitch deck's claims, such as 26 brands actively using Kalder and another 53 operating on a "live freemium" model. Some companies were engaged in short pilot programs, often at discounted rates, while others had no formal agreement with Kalder at all.

Allegedly, the pitch deck boasted of consistent revenue growth from February 2023, reaching $1.2 million in annual recurring revenue by March 2024. However, prosecutors assert that these figures were falsified. Güven is accused of maintaining two sets of financial records: accurate internal records prepared with external accounting assistance and a second version with inflated numbers shared with investors.

Authorities claim Güven utilized false information and forged documents to secure an O-1A visa, which is typically granted to individuals with extraordinary abilities, enabling them to reside and work in the United States. Jay Clayton, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, denounced Güven for allegedly building her seed funding round on deceitful tactics.

This case ensnares Güven in a series of high-profile fintech founders whose rapid success has been publicly dismantled. Notable individuals like Sam Bankman-Fried and Charlie Javice, who were both previously recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, have also encountered similar downfall.