Steve Ballmer Says Founder Deceived Him Before Fraud Guilty Plea

Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the Clippers basketball team, stated that he was deceived by Joseph Sanberg, the founder of fintech startup Aspiration Partners. Sanberg pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud in August 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Aspiration Partners offered banking services focused on sustainability, including credit cards and investment products that avoided fossil fuels. The company stated it would plant trees with every card purchase.

In 2021, Aspiration announced plans for a public listing via a SPAC merger valued at $2.3 billion, but the deal did not proceed.

Prosecutors further stated that Sanberg presented investors with a fabricated letter claiming the company had $250 million in cash when it had less than $1 million. Sanberg and a board member, who also pleaded guilty, allegedly falsified records to secure $145 million in loans.

shared a letter on X on April 23, 2026, ahead of Sanberg's sentencing scheduled for Monday. In the letter, Ballmer stated he invested $60 million in Aspiration and lost the entire amount. He also contracted with the company for carbon-offsetting programs and sponsorship related to his basketball team and venues.

“I was duped and feel silly about that. Everyone who believed in Aspiration, including employees, customers and investors, was also duped. Everyone is still tallying the losses.”

Ballmer's letter indicated that the association led to reputational harm, including involvement in lawsuits and an NBA investigation into related allegations. The NBA stated it is investigating claims reported by ESPN, with Sanberg providing evidence. Ballmer denied allegations from a podcast series, describing them as based on misapprehension or disregard of facts.

The case involves investors and lenders who were invited to submit statements to the judge before sentencing. Ballmer's submission highlighted financial losses and other impacts. The Ballmer Group did not respond to requests for comment.