Steve Ballmer blasts founder he backed who pleaded guilty to fraud: ‘I was duped and feel silly’

Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer publicly condemned Joseph Sanberg, co-founder of green fintech startup Aspiration Partners, ahead of Sanberg's sentencing for wire fraud. Ballmer revealed he lost his entire $60 million investment after Sanberg pleaded guilty to fabricating financial documents, including a fake letter claiming $250 million in cash when the company had less than $1 million. Beyond financial losses, Ballmer says his reputation has suffered, he's been named in lawsuits, and the NBA is investigating salary cap allegations tied to the Clippers' sponsorship deal with Aspiration.