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★ Forbes 30U30 2014✅ Convicted
CARLOS WATSON
Ozy Media · 2021
Wire fraud / investor fraud / identity impersonation
Carlos Watson co-founded Ozy Media, raising approximately $70M. In September 2021, the New York Times reported that Ozy COO Samir Rao had impersonated a YouTube executive on a Goldman Sachs due diligence call to support a $40M investment pitch. Investigation revealed Ozy had systematically fabricated audience metrics and revenue figures. Watson was indicted in January 2023 and convicted at trial in September 2024.
Raised
$70M
Outcome
⚖️ Awaiting Trial
Investors
Emerson CollectiveMarc Lasry