What's It Really Like to Work at KnowBe4?
Explore an inside look at KnowBe4's company culture, salary, benefits, and the interview process. Discover if a career at this cybersecurity leader is right for you.
Working at KnowBe4 means joining a fast-paced, high-growth cybersecurity company with a mission to help organizations manage the ongoing problem of social engineering. The culture is frequently described as energetic and fun, with gamification used not just in its products but also in its internal operations. Employees, known as 'Knowsters', benefit from a strong emphasis on continuous learning and professional development. Following its $4.6 billion acquisition by Vista Equity Partners in 2023, the company operates as a private entity, navigating the cultural and strategic shifts that come with such a transition.
- Founded
- 2010
- HQ
- Clearwater, Florida, USA
- CEO
- Stu Sjouwerman
- Employees
- 1700
- Industry
- Cybersecurity
- Ownership
- Private
- KnowBe4 is a private company, acquired by Vista Equity Partners for $4.6 billion in early 2023.
- The company's culture is built on 'radical transparency' and gamification, with internal leaderboards and contests.
- Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, KnowBe4 promotes a 'fun' and energetic in-office culture.
- KnowBe4 provides security awareness training, and its own employees are expected to be experts in recognizing threats like phishing and ransomware.
- Employee reviews suggest that sales and engineering roles are well-compensated but can be high-pressure environments.
Working at KnowBe4 means joining a fast-paced, high-growth cybersecurity company with a mission to help organizations manage the ongoing problem of social engineering. The culture is frequently described as energetic and fun, with gamification used not just in its products but also in its internal operations. Employees, known as 'Knowsters', benefit from a strong emphasis on continuous learning and professional development. Following its $4.6 billion acquisition by Vista Equity Partners in 2023, the company operates as a private entity, navigating the cultural and strategic shifts that come with such a transition.
What is it actually like to work at KnowBe4?
Working at KnowBe4 centers on its mission: equipping employees at client organizations to recognize and thwart cybersecurity threats like phishing, ransomware, and social engineering. This mission permeates the internal culture, creating an environment where security awareness is paramount. Employees, or "Knowsters," are expected to embody this security-first mindset. The company culture is built on three core tenets: being radically transparent, doing it right the first time, and having fun while doing it. This translates to an energetic, fast-paced, and often competitive atmosphere. Gamification is a key cultural element, mirroring the company's product strategy. Internal leaderboards, sales contests, and team-based competitions are common, designed to drive performance and engagement.
Many employees describe the environment, particularly at the Clearwater, Florida headquarters, as vibrant and full of perks designed to foster a strong in-office community. The company has won numerous awards for its workplace culture, often citing its unique blend of a serious mission with a fun-loving execution. However, this high-energy environment, especially in sales and development roles, can also be demanding. The transition from a publicly traded company to a private one under the ownership of Vista Equity Partners in 2023 is another key factor shaping the current employee experience, often signaling a heightened focus on growth metrics and operational efficiency. Candidates can expect a dynamic workplace that values accountability, continuous learning, and a competitive spirit, all wrapped in a layer of fun and games.
How does KnowBe4 pay compare?
Compensation at KnowBe4 is generally considered competitive, particularly for technical and sales roles. The company aims to attract top talent in the cybersecurity space and structures its compensation packages to reflect that. Salaries are often benchmarked against the tech industry rather than just the local Tampa Bay market, which can be advantageous for employees. For revenue-generating roles, such as Account Manager or Sales Development Representative (SDR), a significant portion of total compensation is tied to performance through commissions and bonuses, which aligns with the company's sales-driven culture.
Based on employee-reported data, salaries for key roles often meet or exceed the national average for similar positions. For example, a Software Engineer at KnowBe4 might earn an average base salary around $125,000, compared to a US national average of approximately $110,000 for the role. Similarly, Product Managers report average salaries in the $140,000 range, outpacing the national median. It is important to note that these figures are based on self-reported data and can vary based on experience, location, and specific role requirements. The company's recent privatization may also influence future compensation strategies as it aligns with the performance expectations of its private equity ownership.
Source: Glassdoor KnowBe4 Salaries
What benefits and time-off does KnowBe4 offer?
KnowBe4 offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to be competitive within the tech industry. The company provides a range of medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, with options to suit different needs and family sizes. One of the standout financial benefits is a 401(k) retirement plan that includes a company match, helping employees save for the long term. Beyond standard insurance, the company has invested in robust wellness programs. This includes subsidized gym memberships and access to mental health resources, reflecting a modern approach to employee wellbeing.
Regarding time-off, KnowBe4 provides a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy that combines vacation, sick days, and personal days into a single bank for employees to use as they see fit. The company also observes a standard set of paid public holidays. For new parents, KnowBe4 offers paid parental leave for both primary and secondary caregivers. Another significant perk is the company's commitment to professional development, which includes a budget for employees to pursue certifications, attend conferences, or take courses related to their field. At its headquarters, employees enjoy numerous on-site amenities, including a cafeteria, games, and social events, all designed to enhance the in-office experience and foster a strong sense of community.
Culture, leadership, and DEI at KnowBe4
KnowBe4's culture is heavily influenced by its founder and CEO, Stu Sjouwerman. His leadership style promotes what the company calls "radical transparency," where information is shared openly across the organization to a degree not often seen in other companies. This is coupled with a philosophy of hiring smart people and trusting them to get the job done. The result is a culture that values autonomy, accountability, and direct communication. The mantra of "having fun while you work" is taken seriously, with themed office days, frequent celebrations, and a generally informal and high-energy atmosphere that seeks to make the workplace enjoyable and engaging.
On the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) front, KnowBe4 has established several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support and empower its diverse workforce. These groups include Women in Tech, Black Employees @ KnowBe4, Pride, and a group for veterans. The company actively participates in and sponsors events aimed at promoting diversity in the technology industry. KnowBe4's leadership has publicly stated its commitment to building an inclusive environment where all 'Knowsters' feel they belong and have the opportunity to succeed. The company publishes diversity data and goals, holding itself accountable for making measurable progress in representation across all levels of the organization.
Source: KnowBe4 Diversity and Inclusion
The hiring and interview process at KnowBe4
KnowBe4's hiring process is designed to be thorough, assessing candidates for technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's fast-paced environment. The process typically begins with an online application, followed by a preliminary screening call with a recruiter. This initial conversation focuses on your background, interest in the role, and basic qualifications. If you advance, the next stage is an interview with the hiring manager. This interview dives deeper into your experience and how it relates to the specific needs of the team. Candidates report that this is a crucial step for demonstrating your understanding of KnowBe4's products and mission.
For technical roles, such as software engineering, expect a technical assessment or a live coding challenge. This stage evaluates your problem-solving abilities and technical proficiency. Sales roles often include a mock presentation or a role-playing exercise to assess your sales acumen and communication style. The final stage usually involves a panel interview with team members and sometimes a cross-functional leader. This is often referred to as the 'culture fit' interview, where the team assesses how you would collaborate and contribute to the energetic and transparent environment. Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to ask questions and demonstrate their passion for cybersecurity and continuous learning.
Source: Indeed KnowBe4 Interview Reviews
Career growth and learning at KnowBe4
As a company whose entire business is built on training and education, KnowBe4 places a strong emphasis on career growth and continuous learning for its own employees. The organization provides access to its own extensive library of security awareness training modules, ensuring every employee is an expert in the field. Beyond its own products, the company supports professional development through tuition reimbursement programs and by providing budgets for external training, certifications, and industry conferences. This commitment ensures that employees stay current with the latest trends not only in cybersecurity but also in their respective fields, from marketing to software development.
Internal mobility is highly encouraged at KnowBe4. The company has a track record of promoting from within and providing clear pathways for advancement. With its history of rapid growth, new roles and leadership opportunities frequently become available. Regular performance reviews and development conversations with managers help employees chart their career paths and identify the skills they need to develop to move into more senior or different roles within the organization. This focus on learning is a core part of the employee value proposition, attracting ambitious candidates who are eager to build their skills and advance their careers in a dynamic industry.
Source: Comparably KnowBe4 Professional Development
Risks, criticisms, and what to watch
The most significant recent event shaping KnowBe4 is its February 2023 acquisition by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners for $4.6 billion, which took the company private. Such transitions often bring shifts in strategy, culture, and performance expectations. Candidates should be aware that working for a PE-backed company typically involves a heightened focus on metrics, growth targets, and operational efficiency, which can increase pressure and change the cultural dynamics from its days as a publicly traded, founder-led growth story. While the core mission remains, the operational priorities are now aligned with Vista's investment thesis, which aims for a high return over a multi-year horizon.
Common criticisms found in public employee reviews often point to challenges with work-life balance, particularly in high-quota sales roles or during intense product development cycles. The 'work hard, play hard' culture, while a major draw for many, can be demanding for others. Some reviews mention that the 'radical transparency' can feel overwhelming and that the fast-paced environment can sometimes lead to process immaturity or organizational churn as the company scales. As with any rapidly growing tech company, prospective employees should assess their own tolerance for ambiguity and high-pressure situations when considering a role at KnowBe4.
Source: Vista Equity Partners Completes $4.6 Billion Acquisition of KnowBe4
Most Loved Workplaces® context
Analysis from the Most Loved Workplaces® research program shows that a positive and respectful work environment is a key driver of success. Across our certified network of 1,800 companies and 2.8 million employees, data reveals that top-tier Most Loved Workplaces® experience 4× higher revenue growth compared to their industry peers. These organizations also benefit from 48% higher employee retention. A core element is opportunity; 92% of employees at Most Loved Workplaces® apply for roles when openings arise. These results are achieved through the SPARK framework, which prioritizes Systemic Collaboration, a Positive Vision of the Future, Alignment of Values, Respect, and Kindness.
How we researched this report
Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. More on our methodology can be found at /methodology.
Sources
- KnowBe4 Careers — KnowBe4
- Glassdoor KnowBe4 Salaries — Glassdoor
- KnowBe4 Benefits — KnowBe4
- KnowBe4 Diversity and Inclusion — KnowBe4
- Indeed KnowBe4 Interview Reviews — Indeed
- Comparably KnowBe4 Professional Development — Comparably
- Vista Equity Partners Completes $4.6 Billion Acquisition of KnowBe4 — Vista Equity Partners
Quick answers
Researched and edited by Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. See our methodology.