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Covina, CA

Unlocking access to climate-friendly 401(k) investing by creating diversified, low-fee funds that meet fiduciary standards.

• Second-time founder: Built and exited a prior $1B+ climate tech company.
• Product-market fit: Already added to 150+ retirement plans and available on 401(k) platforms like Fidelity.
• Massive addressable market: Targeting a $30T U.S. retirement savings market with strong latent demand for climate options.
• High-profile backing: VC and angel support from Pale Blue Dot, Climate Capital, C3, and others.
• Scalable growth path: Uses 401(k) advisor and fiduciary partnerships to unlock multiple employer plans at once.

Sphere is tackling one of the largest untapped opportunities in climate finance—retirement savings. The company provides a climate-friendly mutual fund option that can be added to any existing 401(k) plan without requiring employers to switch providers. This approach eliminates the regulatory, cost, and logistical hurdles that have historically prevented sustainable investment options from penetrating the retirement market. Sphere’s product is designed to meet fiduciary standards by offering diversified, reasonably priced options that mirror traditional retirement funds while excluding fossil fuels.

Founded by Alex Wright-Gladstein, a second-time entrepreneur with experience leading a climate tech company to a $1B valuation, Sphere is already on over 150 retirement platforms and has secured partnerships with leading advisors. Their campaigns have reached over 25 million viewers and leveraged celebrity endorsements to raise awareness. Backed by top VCs such as Pale Blue Dot and Climate Capital, Sphere is growing rapidly with 378% year-over-year mutual fund revenue growth. The team’s strategy focuses on unlocking access to the $30 trillion U.S. retirement savings market, where 77% of Americans with 401(k)s want climate-friendly investment options.

Company Info

Sphere helps individuals and companies shift retirement investments from fossil fuels to climate-friendly options without changing 401(k) providers.

Sphere is a fintech company working to shift trillions in retirement savings from fossil fuels to climate-focused investments. Recognizing that 99% of Americans with 401(k)s are invested in fossil fuel companies by default, Sphere offers diversified, cost-effective, climate-friendly funds that can be added to any existing retirement plan without requiring employers to change providers. Their investment products meet fiduciary standards on cost, risk, and returns, addressing the core regulatory and logistical barriers that have historically limited climate-conscious options in the 401(k) space.

Founded by Alex Wright-Gladstein, a second-time entrepreneur whose first company is now valued at over $1 billion, Sphere has already been added to more than 150 retirement plans and has generated national attention through viral campaigns and partnerships with major advocacy figures. Their team includes experts in sustainable finance, investment management, and creative outreach, positioning Sphere at the intersection of financial systems change and social movement building. Sphere is not just offering investment products—it’s leading a movement to decarbonize retirement savings and empower individuals to align their portfolios with climate values.