Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared how he motivated the Chrome team after Microsoft's then-CEO Steve Ballmer called the browser a "rounding error" in 2008. Pichai used the criticism to inspire the team, focusing on rapid iteration and ambitious goals, which ultimately led Chrome to become the world's most-used browser.
Steve Ballmer, former Microsoft CEO and Los Angeles Clippers owner, invested $60 million in Aspiration Partners, a fintech startup promising sustainable banking. Founder Joseph Sanberg pleaded guilty to wire fraud in August 2025, and Ballmer filed a victim statement ahead of Sanberg's April 27, 2026 sentencing, describing his financial losses and reputational damage.
Joseph Sanberg, founder of green fintech startup Aspiration Partners, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to two counts of wire fraud for defrauding investors and lenders. Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, who invested $60 million and lost all of it, wrote to the judge ahead of Monday's sentencing describing how he was duped. The DOJ alleged Sanberg fabricated financial records showing $250 million in cash when the company had less than $1 million, and used entities he controlled to inflate revenue. Sanberg faces up to 40 years in prison. The NBA is also investigating related salary cap allegations.
