What’s It Really Like to Work at KnowBe4?
Explore careers at KnowBe4, a top cybersecurity firm. See our deep dive into the salaries, benefits, culture, and interview process at this Most Loved Workplace®.
Working at KnowBe4 means joining a mission-driven, high-energy environment focused on mitigating human risk in cybersecurity. Employees experience a culture built on stated principles of “radical transparency” and “extreme ownership,” which translates into both their internal operations and the security awareness products they build. As a multi-year certified Most Loved Workplace®, the company offers competitive benefits, including unlimited PTO and robust parental leave. However, candidates should be aware of the fast-paced, demanding sales culture and the potential for strategic shifts following its 2023 acquisition by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners.
- Founded
- 2010
- HQ
- Clearwater, Florida
- Employees
- 2000+
- Industry
- Cybersecurity / Security Software
- Ownership
- Private
- KnowBe4 is a certified Most Loved Workplace® for four consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025).
- The company's culture is intentionally built on principles of “extreme ownership” and “radical transparency.”
- Benefits are a key strength, featuring unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), fully paid premium health plans, and a three-month paid parental leave policy.
- The company was taken private in a $4.6 billion acquisition by Vista Equity Partners in February 2023, a significant factor for long-term strategy and employee equity.
- The interview process is multi-stage and heavily screens for alignment with KnowBe4's unique cultural values alongside technical or role-specific skills.
Working at KnowBe4 means joining a mission-driven, high-energy environment focused on mitigating human risk in cybersecurity. Employees experience a culture built on stated principles of “radical transparency” and “extreme ownership,” which translates into both their internal operations and the security awareness products they build. As a multi-year certified Most Loved Workplace®, the company offers competitive benefits, including unlimited PTO and robust parental leave. However, candidates should be aware of the fast-paced, demanding sales culture and the potential for strategic shifts following its 2023 acquisition by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners.
What is it actually like to work at KnowBe4?
Working at KnowBe4 puts you at the center of the cybersecurity world’s “human layer.” The company’s core mission is to enable organizations to manage the ongoing problem of human error in security breaches. With a global team of over 2,000 employees, the day-to-day work is focused on developing, marketing, and supporting the world's largest platform for security awareness training and simulated phishing.
Employees describe the environment as fast-paced, energetic, and metric-driven, particularly in sales and customer-facing roles. The work directly supports KnowBe4's philosophy of creating a “human firewall” for its clients. This involves a continuous loop of education through interactive training modules and testing via phishing simulations to reinforce secure behaviors. This clear, tangible mission provides a strong sense of purpose for many employees, who see the direct impact of their work on protecting organizations from cyber threats. The company’s consistent growth and leadership position in the security awareness training (SAT) market create a dynamic, if sometimes demanding, atmosphere.
How does KnowBe4 pay compare?
KnowBe4 aims to provide competitive compensation, with specific pay varying significantly by role, location, and experience. Based on publicly available, self-reported data, salaries for technical and sales roles appear to be competitive with, and often slightly above, the average for the Tampa, Florida, market where the company is headquartered.
For example, software engineers at KnowBe4 report base salaries about 18% higher than the local market average. Sales and customer success roles also trend slightly above the median. It is important to note that sales roles are heavily commission-based, meaning on-target earnings (OTE) can be substantially higher than the base salary figures listed below.
| Role | Average Base Salary at KnowBe4 (Tampa, FL) | Average Base Salary in Tampa, FL Metro Area | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | ~$121,500 | ~$103,100 | +18% vs. Local Market |
| Sales Development Rep | ~$54,700 | ~$51,000 | +7% vs. Local Market |
| Customer Success Manager | ~$72,800 | ~$68,500 | +6% vs. Local Market |
Data is based on self-reported salaries and is for informational purposes only. Source: Glassdoor, April 2024.
Prior to February 2023, as a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: KNBE), KnowBe4 offered stock options as part of its compensation package. Following its $4.6 billion acquisition by Vista Equity Partners, the company is now private. Candidates should inquire directly with recruiters about the current long-term incentive structure, as private equity ownership often changes how employee equity is handled.
Source: Glassdoor KnowBe4 Salaries, Source: KnowBe4 Acquisition Press Release
What benefits and time-off does KnowBe4 offer?
KnowBe4 offers a comprehensive and attractive benefits package that is a frequent highlight in employee reviews. The package is designed to compete for top talent in the technology sector and reflects the company's investment in employee wellbeing.
Key components of the benefits program include:
- Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a fully paid premium option for employees.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): An unlimited PTO policy, offering flexibility for vacation, personal time, and sick days. This reflects a culture of trust and ownership, though candidates should note that the effectiveness of unlimited PTO can vary by team and manager.
- Parental Leave: A generous three-month (12-week) fully paid parental leave policy for new parents.
- Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan with a company match to support long-term financial planning.
- Wellness and Development: The company also provides various wellness resources and opportunities for professional development, tying into its cultural value of continuous improvement.
This strong benefits offering is a significant factor in KnowBe4's ability to attract and retain employees and contributes to its recognition as a desirable place to work.
Culture, leadership, and DEI at KnowBe4
The culture at KnowBe4 is its most distinct characteristic. It is intentionally and actively shaped around three core pillars: radical transparency, extreme ownership, and continuous professional development. This framework was established by founder and CEO Stu Sjouwerman and is reinforced in daily operations, performance reviews, and the hiring process.
- Radical Transparency: This principle means that information is shared widely and openly across the organization. This can include financial performance, strategic decisions, and challenges the company faces. The goal is to give every employee context and a sense of shared purpose.
- Extreme Ownership: Borrowed from the book by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, this concept discourages blame and encourages employees to take full responsibility for their tasks and outcomes. It fosters a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
This unique culture is externally validated by KnowBe4's repeated certification as a Most Loved Workplace® for four consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025). This certification is based on direct employee sentiment analysis and demonstrates a high level of employee satisfaction and emotional connection to the company. It indicates that the stated values are not just posters on a wall but are genuinely experienced by the workforce. While the company does not publish specific DEI statistics, its careers page expresses a commitment to diversity and inclusion as part of its hiring and cultural initiatives.
Source: Most Loved Workplaces®, Source: KnowBe4 Culture
The hiring and interview process at KnowBe4
Candidates should expect a multi-stage interview process at KnowBe4 that evaluates both professional skills and, crucially, cultural fit. The process is designed to identify individuals who will thrive in an environment of radical transparency and extreme ownership.
Based on candidate reports, the typical interview journey includes:
- Initial Screening: A conversation with a recruiter to discuss the role, your background, and basic qualifications. This is also an initial screen for cultural alignment.
- Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience and the specifics of the role with the person you would be reporting to.
- Skills Assessment or Panel Interview: Depending on the role, this stage may involve a technical test (for engineering), a mock presentation (for sales or marketing), or a panel interview with team members. The goal is to validate your ability to perform the job's core functions.
- Final Culture Interview: Often conducted with a senior leader or a dedicated “culture champion,” this final conversation focuses almost exclusively on your fit with KnowBe4’s values. Be prepared to provide specific examples from your past demonstrating ownership, transparency, and a growth mindset.
The process can take anywhere from two to five weeks. Candidates consistently advise preparing stories that illustrate the core cultural values, as this is a non-negotiable hiring criterion.
Source: Glassdoor KnowBe4 Interviews
Career growth and learning at KnowBe4
KnowBe4's ethos of continuous professional development is embedded in its career growth opportunities. As a company that sells learning solutions, it places a strong emphasis on developing its own people. Employees are given opportunities to grow both within their current roles and by moving into new ones.
The internal promotion culture is strong, aligning with data from the Most Loved Workplaces® research program that shows 92% of employees at Most Loved Workplaces® apply for roles when openings arise. At KnowBe4, this is supported by:
- Access to Training: Employees have full access to the KnowBe4 training platform, allowing them to expand their knowledge in cybersecurity and other professional skills.
- Internal Mobility: The company actively encourages employees to look for new challenges within the organization, and many roles are filled by internal candidates.
- Performance Feedback: A culture of transparency fosters regular and direct feedback, helping employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement, which is essential for career pathing.
The rapid growth of the company has historically created numerous opportunities for advancement. While the pace of growth may evolve under private ownership, the foundational commitment to employee development remains a core part of the company's value proposition.
Risks, criticisms, and what to watch
No workplace is perfect, and candidates should consider a balanced view of KnowBe4. While the culture is a major draw, its intensity can also be a challenge. Common criticisms found in employee reviews mention a high-pressure sales environment and the potential for burnout due to the fast pace. The “work hard, play hard” mantra is prevalent, which may not suit everyone.
The most significant factor to watch is the impact of the February 2023 acquisition by Vista Equity Partners. Private equity ownership often brings a heightened focus on operational efficiency and financial performance, which can lead to shifts in strategy, resource allocation, and culture over time. While KnowBe4’s leadership has emphasized continuity, candidates should be mindful that the environment may evolve in the coming years. This includes changes to long-term incentive plans, a potential slowdown in hiring, or restructuring to meet new financial targets. Probing the long-term vision for the company under new ownership is a wise step for any late-stage candidate.
Source: KnowBe4 Acquisition Press Release, Source: Glassdoor KnowBe4 Reviews
Most Loved Workplaces® context
KnowBe4 is part of a global network of over 1,800 certified companies representing 2.8 million employees. The Most Loved Workplaces® certification is a rigorous, data-driven validation of a healthy workplace culture. Research shows that top-tier certified companies experience 4× higher revenue growth than their industry peers and benefit from 48% higher employee retention. This validated high-trust environment is built on the SPARK framework: Systemic Collaboration, a Positive Vision of the Future, Alignment of Values, Respect, and Kindness.
How we researched this report
This report was researched and written by the Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. Read our full methodology.
Sources
- KnowBe4 About Us — KnowBe4
- KnowBe4 Careers — KnowBe4
- KnowBe4 Acquisition Press Release — KnowBe4
- Glassdoor KnowBe4 Salaries — Glassdoor
- Glassdoor KnowBe4 Interviews — Glassdoor
- Glassdoor KnowBe4 Reviews — Glassdoor
- Most Loved Workplaces® — Most Loved Workplace®
Quick answers
Researched and edited by Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. See our methodology.