BrightScope is the brainchild of two investment portfolio managers and a long term HP engineering veteran. For years, the three had discussed the challenges human resource executives faced with 401k plan evaluation because benefits data has been controlled by a small group of companies that are not incentivized or governed by the same fiduciary standards that a plan sponsor must honor. Unfortunately, HR managers and senior executives had little they could do about it. Together the three founders of BrightScope decided to set out to achieve a lofty dream: to enhance and protect the retirement security, health, and welfare of America's workforce by increasing the transparency and efficiency of the company benefits market. In 2007 they formed BrightScope and began to build the BrightScope Rating^TM Engine. They spent the first year analyzing 401k filings and industry data and running 401k performance simulation tests. In 2008, the BrightScope team began constructing a user-friendly website and distribution platform. BrightScope.com publicly launched on January 29, 2009.