In this short interview, John Sullivan from 401k Specialist speaks with Jake Rushton of 401GO at the Excel 401(k) Conference in Dallas. They discuss the challenges of offering 401(k) plans to startup companies, primarily due to cost and complexity. Jake shares how his frustration with inadequate third-party solutions led him to co-found 401GO—a tech-forward platform designed specifically to address these barriers.
The key innovation behind 401GO is its fully in-house developed platform, built for scalability and cost-efficiency. By avoiding traditional third-party vendors, they can serve both small and large plans more effectively. The platform integrates with Matrix Broadridge for custodial services, giving access to a wide range of funds. Additionally, 401GO can act as a 3(38) fiduciary for plans without an advisor, further lowering the entry barrier for startups.
Jake emphasizes that the goal is to help advisors say “yes” to small businesses rather than turn them away due to lack of infrastructure. They’re currently focused on small plans, with scalability baked in for larger clients down the line.