Guideline, the company that provides Guideline 401k services, is a privately held company. Its ownership is primarily held by its founders and a consortium of investors who have provided funding to support the company's growth and mission.
Ownership of Guideline
Guideline's corporate structure is typical of a technology startup that has grown significantly. It combines the vision and initial equity of its founders with substantial investment from venture capital and private equity firms.
Founding and Early Ownership
Guideline was established in 2015 with a clear mission: to help everyone achieve a safe and secure retirement. The company was founded by a core team of innovators:
- Kevin Busque: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Jeremy Caballero: Chief Product Officer (CPO)
- Mike Nelson: Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
As the initial architects of the company, these founders held the primary ownership stakes in Guideline during its nascent stages, guiding its development from a concept to a comprehensive retirement plan solution provider for small business owners, employees, and self-employed individuals.
Investor Funding and Expanded Ownership
To scale its operations and expand its offerings, Guideline has raised significant capital from various investors. These funding rounds involve investors acquiring equity in the company, thereby becoming part-owners. A notable example includes a $200 million funding round led by General Atlantic.
The table below summarizes the key stakeholders in Guideline's ownership:
| Stakeholder Type | Key Entities/Individuals | Role in Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Founders | Kevin Busque, Jeremy Caballero, Mike Nelson | Initiated the company and retain significant equity. |
| Lead Investors | General Atlantic | Major institutional investor providing significant capital in exchange for equity. |
| Other Investors | (Various undisclosed firms/individuals) | Other venture capital firms, angel investors, and employees who hold shares or stock options. |
This investment strategy allows Guideline to continually enhance its platform, develop new features, and reach more individuals and businesses, fulfilling its mission to make retirement savings accessible and straightforward.
Your 401k Assets: A Key Distinction
It's crucial to understand the difference between the ownership of the company Guideline and the ownership of the assets within your Guideline 401k plan.
- Guideline (the company): Owned by its founders and investors, as detailed above. This company provides the technology, administration, and support services for 401k plans.
- Your 401k Assets: The money you contribute to your 401k account, along with any investment growth, is owned by you, the individual plan participant. These assets are held in trust for your benefit, separate from Guideline's corporate assets. Guideline acts as a plan administrator and recordkeeper, but they do not own the funds in your retirement account. This separation ensures the security of your retirement savings.
This distinction is fundamental to how retirement plans are structured, providing a layer of protection for participants' savings, regardless of the service provider's corporate ownership.
