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Ex-UC Berkeley Student Charged With Defrauding Investors Out Of Millions
The 26-year-old tech startup founder allegedly used fake revenue, inflated partnerships, and forged documents to secure millions from investors.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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Gökçe Güven, a 26-year-old former UC Berkeley student and tech startup founder, has been charged with securities fraud and wire fraud for allegedly defrauding investors out of $7 million during the seed round of funding for her New York-based company, Kalder Inc. Prosecutors say Güven used fake revenue, inflated brand partnerships, and fabricated documents to secure the investments, and then used similar tactics to fraudulently obtain an O-1A visa reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability.
Why it matters
This case highlights the risks investors face when funding early-stage startups, especially those led by young, charismatic founders. It also raises concerns about the visa application process and whether enough safeguards are in place to prevent fraud. The alleged actions of Güven could further erode public trust in the tech startup ecosystem.
The details
According to prosecutors, Güven quickly generated significant publicity for Kalder in the New York tech scene in 2022, speaking at panels and networking events. However, behind the scenes, Kalder had little to no actual traction. Prosecutors say Güven then hatched a scheme to defraud investors, using fake revenue, inflated brand partnerships, and fabricated documents to secure $7 million in seed funding. Güven is also accused of using similar tactics to fraudulently obtain an O-1A visa, which is reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability.
- In 2022, Güven was generating significant publicity for her startup Kalder in the New York tech scene.
- In late 2024, Güven was named to the Forbes "30 Under 30" list for marketing and advertising.
- On November 27, 2025, Güven was arrested in connection with the fraud investigation.
- On January 29, 2026, Güven was charged with securities fraud, wire fraud, visa fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
The players
Gökçe Güven
A 26-year-old former UC Berkeley student and tech startup founder who is accused of defrauding investors out of $7 million and fraudulently obtaining an O-1A visa.
Kalder Inc.
A New York-based technology startup company founded by Gökçe Güven, which prosecutors say had little to no actual traction despite the significant publicity Güven generated for it.
United States Department of Justice
The federal agency that brought the charges against Gökçe Güven.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr.
The FBI official who stated that Güven allegedly "curated a façade of her business ingenuity to unlawfully reap financial and personal benefits."
United States Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward
The postal inspection service official who said the indictment "displays the lengths that individuals will go through to defraud investors and the American public."
What they’re saying
“Güven allegedly curated a façade of her business ingenuity to unlawfully reap financial and personal benefits. The FBI will continue to expose any manipulative tactics employed to advertise misleading investment opportunities at the cost of their related stakeholders.”
— James C. Barnacle Jr., FBI Assistant Director in Charge
“This indictment displays the lengths that individuals will go through to defraud investors and the American public, and how they are ultimately caught to pay for their crimes. Investors placed their trust in this emerging fintech founder and CEO, only to be misled and scammed, as alleged.”
— Ketty Larco-Ward, United States Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Güven's bail status at a hearing on February 15, 2026.
The takeaway
This case highlights the need for greater scrutiny and oversight of early-stage startups, especially those led by young, charismatic founders. Investors must be vigilant in verifying claims and conducting due diligence to avoid falling victim to fraud schemes like the one allegedly perpetrated by Gökçe Güven.
