Guideline

Affordable 401(k) and IRA retirement plans

San Mateo, California, United States

About Guideline

Guideline provides affordable and customizable 401(k) retirement plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for businesses of all sizes, particularly targeting small to medium-sized enterprises and specific sectors like dental practices. Their service includes end-to-end management of retirement plans, which features automatic enrollment, low monthly fees, and compliance testing. Guideline acts as a 3(38) fiduciary, taking responsibility for managing investment options to ensure they benefit employees. The company operates on a subscription-based model, charging a low monthly fee that covers essential services, with options for additional features like profit sharing and matching. They also offer Guideline Pro, a platform that equips financial professionals with tools to assist clients in retirement planning. Guideline's goal is to make retirement plans more accessible and affordable, helping more individuals save for their future.

San Mateo, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2015Year Founded
$329.8MTotal Funding
SERIES_ECompany Stage
Fintech, Financial ServicesIndustries
201-500Employees

Benefits

Flexible vacation policy
Company equity
401(k) with matching contributions
100% paid employee insurance coverage
Annual learning & development stipend
Parental leave
Sabbatical after 5 years of employment

Risks

Increased competition from QuickBooks Payroll could shift market share.
Reliance on Vanguard poses a risk if fee structures change.
New Starter plan and Enterprise tier may increase operational complexity.

Differentiation

Guideline offers a flat fee per participant, unlike asset-based fee models.
Guideline acts as a 3(38) fiduciary, managing investment options for clients.
Guideline provides end-to-end retirement plan management, including compliance and reporting.

Upsides

Increased demand for digital financial services boosts Guideline's digital-first approach.
Partnership with QuickBooks Payroll enhances retirement benefits for small businesses.
Guideline's new mobile app increases accessibility and user engagement.