# Guideline

> Guideline built a software-driven retirement platform for US small businesses, combining 401(k) administration, recordkeeping, compliance support and investment management with payroll connections. Founded in 2015 by Kevin Busque, Mike Nelson and Jeremy Caballero, it joined Gusto in November 2025; its integrated offering is now marketed as Gusto 401(k) powered by Guideline.

- **Founded:** 2015
- **Headquarters:** Burlingame, United States
- **Founders:** Kevin Busque (Co-founder and CEO at acquisition), Mike Nelson (Co-founder and CTO), Jeremy Caballero (Co-founder and Chief Product Officer)
- **Products:** Gusto 401(k) powered by Guideline, Starter 401(k), Core 401(k), Premium 401(k), Solo 401(k)
- **Notable:** More than 13,000 small-business clients and $2.5 billion in retirement assets reported in the 2020 investor announcement., $100 million in annual recurring revenue reported in January 2024 coverage., Gusto and Guideline said their partnership had helped more than 34,000 businesses save $10 billion by November 2025.

## Products & services

- **Gusto 401(k) powered by Guideline** — Integrated payroll and retirement offering launched after Gusto completed its acquisition; includes administration, recordkeeping and compliance support, with investment advisory services through a separate registered adviser.
- **Starter 401(k)** — For eligible employers without a retirement plan in the preceding 12 months; published 2026 pricing is $49 per month plus $6 per active participant. Lower employee contribution limit; no employer contributions or loans.
- **Core 401(k)** — Standard and safe harbor plan designs, employer matching and profit sharing; published 2026 pricing is $119 per month plus $8 per active participant.
- **Premium 401(k)** — Additional support, plan transfer support and flexible pricing options; published 2026 standard pricing is $179 per month plus $8 per active participant. Transferring plans must retain Premium for at least one year.
- **Solo 401(k)** — Retirement-plan option marketed to solopreneurs; eligibility and current terms require confirmation.
- **SEP IRA, Traditional IRA and Roth IRA** — Retirement account products for self-employed people and individual savers; investment management, administration and custody are supplied by distinct entities.
- **Guideline Pro** — Program supporting accounting and financial professionals with client retirement plans; post-acquisition integration depends on payroll provider.

## Achievements

- More than 13,000 small-business clients and $2.5 billion in retirement assets reported in the 2020 investor announcement.
- $100 million in annual recurring revenue reported in January 2024 coverage.
- Gusto and Guideline said their partnership had helped more than 34,000 businesses save $10 billion by November 2025.
- Acquired by Gusto, with completion announced November 6, 2025.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — Pricing help article updated August 26; lists Starter $49 + $6, Core $119 + $8 and Premium $179 + $8 monthly employer fees, plus participant account fees.
- **2026-07** — Acquisition FAQ reiterates Gusto integration and points affected sponsors to self-service responsibility information.
- **2026-02** — Vestwell’s transition guidance confirms Accrue plans formerly serviced by Guideline are moving to Vestwell, with cohorts scheduled between March 4 and May 6.
- **2025-11** — Guideline announced that its acquisition by Gusto was complete and launched Gusto 401(k) powered by Guideline.

## Links

- Website: https://www.guideline.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guideline/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/guideline401k
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guideline401k_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guidelinetechnologies

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/guideline
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-25