What's It Really Like to Work at KnowBe4?
An inside look at working at KnowBe4. Explore our deep dive into company culture, salaries, employee benefits, interview process, and recent changes.
Working at KnowBe4 means joining a high-energy, fast-growing cybersecurity firm famous for its 'fun' and quirky culture, including pet-friendly offices and generous perks. Employees contribute to a clear mission: helping organizations manage the human element of security. Compensation is competitive, often supplemented by a profit-sharing program. However, the company is in a period of transition after its 2023 acquisition by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, with some employees noting cultural shifts as a result. Candidates can expect an interview process that heavily weighs cultural fit and enthusiasm alongside professional skills.
- Founded
- 2010
- HQ
- Clearwater, Florida
- Employees
- 2000
- Industry
- Cybersecurity, SaaS
- Ownership
- Private
- KnowBe4 is a leading security awareness training platform with a mission to 'enable your employees to make smarter security decisions'.
- The company was acquired by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners for $4.6 billion in February 2023, transitioning it from a public to a private company.
- Employee compensation often includes a significant profit-sharing component on top of base salary.
- Reported benefits are extensive, including unlimited PTO, fully paid medical premiums for employees, parental leave, and pet insurance.
- The company culture is frequently described as 'fun,' 'high-energy,' and 'transparent,' but is currently navigating changes post-acquisition.
- The interview process typically includes multiple rounds and a skills assessment, with a strong emphasis on culture fit.
Working at KnowBe4 means joining a high-energy, fast-growing cybersecurity firm famous for its 'fun' and quirky culture, including pet-friendly offices and generous perks. Employees contribute to a clear mission: helping organizations manage the human element of security. Compensation is competitive, often supplemented by a profit-sharing program. However, the company is in a period of transition after its 2023 acquisition by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, with some employees noting cultural shifts as a result. Candidates can expect an interview process that heavily weighs cultural fit and enthusiasm alongside professional skills.
What is it actually like to work at KnowBe4?
KnowBe4 has built a reputation not just for its security awareness training platform, but for a distinct and vibrant corporate culture. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, with offices worldwide, the company's day-to-day environment is often described by employees as high-energy, fast-paced, and fun. The company's mission is clear and central to its identity: to help organizations manage the ongoing problem of social engineering and build a 'human firewall'. This sense of purpose—protecting businesses from cyber threats—is a frequently cited motivator for its workforce.
The office culture, particularly at its headquarters, is known for unique perks like free daily lunches, an on-site gym, a resident office dog named 'Knowster,' and even slides between floors. This environment is designed to foster collaboration and high morale. The company's three core values are 'radical transparency,' 'extreme ownership,' and 'constant innovation,' which are meant to guide employee behavior and decision-making. However, the most significant recent event shaping the employee experience is the company's transition from a publicly traded entity (formerly KNBE) to a private company. In February 2023, KnowBe4 was acquired by the technology-focused private equity firm Vista Equity Partners in a $4.6 billion deal. Such transitions often bring shifts in strategy, operations, and culture as the new ownership focuses on long-term value creation and financial efficiency. While the core mission remains, employees are navigating a new chapter in the company's history. Source: KnowBe4 Careers, Reuters
How does KnowBe4 pay compare?
Compensation at KnowBe4 is generally considered competitive within the cybersecurity and SaaS industries, particularly when its full package is considered. The company's compensation strategy often includes three main pillars: a competitive base salary, performance-based bonuses (especially for sales roles), and a company-wide profit-sharing program.
This profit-sharing plan is a significant and frequently praised component of total compensation. It provides eligible employees with a percentage of the company's profits, directly linking individual success to the company's financial performance. This creates a strong sense of shared purpose and aligns employee incentives with business growth.
Based on employee-reported data, salaries align with or exceed national averages for many key roles. Sales roles, such as Sales Development Representative (SDR) and Account Executive, typically have a base salary plus a commission structure that can lead to substantial On-Target Earnings (OTE). Technical roles, like software engineers and cybersecurity analysts, are compensated in line with industry standards for tech talent. The table below provides an estimated comparison for representative roles, though actual figures can vary based on experience, location, and specific role.
| Role | Representative KnowBe4 Salary (Annual) | U.S. National Median (May 2023) | Source(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $110,000 - $155,000 | $132,270 | Glassdoor, BLS |
| Sales Development Rep (SDR) | $65,000 - $95,000 (OTE) | $74,970 (Technical Sales) | Glassdoor, BLS |
| Customer Success Manager | $70,000 - $105,000 | N/A (Varies widely by industry) | Glassdoor |
Salary data is based on self-reported entries on Glassdoor and should be considered an estimate. National median data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for 'Software Developers' and 'Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products'. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor
What benefits and time-off does KnowBe4 offer?
KnowBe4 offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package that stands out as a key attraction for talent. The company has historically invested heavily in employee well-being, both inside and outside the office.
Health and Wellness:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision: KnowBe4 covers 100% of the premium for its employees on its standard medical plan and offers options for family coverage.
- Gym Access: The Clearwater headquarters features a full gym, and the company often provides wellness stipends or benefits for remote employees.
Financial and Retirement:
- 401(k) Plan: The company offers a 401(k) with a company match to help employees save for retirement.
- Profit Sharing: As mentioned, this is a cornerstone of their financial benefits, allowing employees to share directly in the company's success.
Time Off and Flexibility:
- Unlimited PTO: KnowBe4 operates on an unlimited Paid Time Off policy, which they refer to as Discretionary Time Off (DTO). This allows employees the flexibility to take the time they need for vacation, personal matters, and illness, subject to manager approval and business needs.
- Parental Leave: The company provides paid parental leave for new parents.
Unique Perks:
- Pet-Friendly Office & Insurance: The company is famous for its dog-friendly office and offers pet insurance as a benefit.
- Food and Beverage: At major office hubs, employees receive free daily lunch, snacks, and drinks.
- President's Club: Top-performing sales and customer success employees are rewarded with an all-expenses-paid trip to an exotic location. Source: KnowBe4 Careers Page
Culture, leadership, and DEI at KnowBe4
The culture at KnowBe4 is founder-led and deeply ingrained. Stu Sjouwerman, the founder and CEO, has championed a workplace built on 'radical transparency.' This is demonstrated through regular company-wide meetings where detailed financial performance and strategic goals are shared with all employees. This level of openness is rare and is intended to foster trust and a sense of ownership across the organization.
Leadership emphasizes a work-hard, play-hard mentality. The atmosphere, especially in sales, is often described as a high-octane 'boiler room' environment, but one that is positive and focused on collective success. This culture is a strong fit for individuals who are competitive, driven, and thrive in a social, fast-paced setting.
A key part of the culture is being an expert in the field. The company's product suite helps organizations with compliance for regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS. This requires employees to be knowledgeable and credible. KnowBe4 internally provides specialized training, policy acknowledgment workflows, and maintains standards like a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and Data Processing Addendum (DPA) to demonstrate its own commitment to the security principles it teaches. This expertise is a point of pride and a cultural touchstone.
Regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), KnowBe4 has several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) including Women in Tech, Black Empowerment Network, and Pride. The company states a commitment to building a diverse workforce and inclusive environment. As with many fast-growing tech companies, ensuring that DEI initiatives keep pace with hyper-growth and organizational change remains an ongoing process. Source: KnowBe4 DEI, KnowBe4 Compliance
The hiring and interview process at KnowBe4
The interview process at KnowBe4 is designed to assess both professional skills and cultural alignment. Candidates consistently report that fitting the company's energetic, transparent, and team-oriented culture is as important as technical or sales ability.
The typical process follows several stages:
- Recruiter Screening: An initial call with a member of the talent acquisition team to discuss the role, your background, and basic qualifications. This is also a primary screen for enthusiasm and cultural fit.
- Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth conversation with the manager of the team you're applying to join. This will focus on your specific experience and how it relates to the team's needs.
- Skills Assessment/Presentation: Depending on the role, you may be asked to complete a practical assessment. For sales roles, this is often a mock pitch or a presentation. For technical roles, it could be a coding challenge or a technical problem-solving session.
- Team or Final Interviews: The final stage may involve meeting with other team members or senior leaders. This round further assesses your ability to collaborate and integrate into the existing team dynamic.
Throughout the process, interviewers are known to look for candidates who are passionate, coachable, and demonstrate 'extreme ownership.' Preparing to speak about times you have taken responsibility for outcomes, both good and bad, can be beneficial. Employee reviews suggest the process is generally efficient and transparent, with recruiters providing consistent communication. Source: Glassdoor Candidate Reviews
Career growth and learning at KnowBe4
As a company in the business of education, KnowBe4 places a strong emphasis on internal learning and development. The company's 'hyper-growth' trajectory has historically created significant opportunities for internal mobility. It's common for employees to be promoted or move into different departments as the company expands. This potential for advancement is a major selling point for ambitious candidates.
The emphasis on employee growth aligns with findings from the Most Loved Workplaces® research program, where 92% of employees at Most Loved Workplaces® apply for roles when openings arise. This indicates a culture where employees see a long-term future and trust the organization's career-pathing.
KnowBe4 provides its own platform for employee training and encourages continuous learning. They also offer opportunities for professional certifications relevant to an employee's role. For example, sales staff are trained extensively on the cybersecurity landscape, while engineers are encouraged to stay current with the latest technologies. The commitment to promotion from within is a core part of its employee retention strategy. Source: KnowBe4 Careers
Risks, criticisms, and what to watch
No workplace is without its challenges, and candidates should consider several factors before joining KnowBe4. The most significant is the ongoing integration with Vista Equity Partners. Private equity ownership can bring positive changes, such as increased investment and strategic discipline, but it can also lead to a greater focus on short-term profitability and efficiency. Some employee reviews have noted shifts in the culture, a tightening of budgets for perks, and increased pressure on performance metrics since the acquisition. The 'fun' culture that defined KnowBe4 for years may evolve under this new ownership structure.
Secondly, the high-energy, sales-driven culture can be polarizing. While many thrive in this environment, others may find the pace and pressure demanding. It's a culture that rewards extroversion and measurable results, which may not be a fit for everyone. Prospective employees, particularly for non-sales roles, should seek to understand how this sales-centric energy permeates the entire organization.
Finally, as with any fast-growing company, processes and structures can sometimes struggle to keep up with headcount growth. This can lead to organizational ambiguity or 'growing pains' as teams and responsibilities are redefined. Candidates should be prepared for an environment of constant change and be comfortable with a degree of ambiguity as the company navigates its next phase of growth as a private entity. Source: TechCrunch
Most Loved Workplaces® context
KnowBe4's focus on a strong mission and employee-centric perks reflects principles seen across many healthy workplaces. Research from the Most Loved Workplaces® program, which certifies companies based on employee sentiment and the SPARK framework (Systemic Collaboration, Positive Vision of the Future, Alignment of Values, Respect, and Kindness), shows a clear link between employee love and business success. The program's network includes 1,800 certified companies representing 2.8 million employees worldwide. Certified companies show 48% higher employee retention, and top-tier workplaces demonstrate 4× higher revenue growth than their industry peers, underscoring the business case for investing in a positive culture.
How we researched this report
This report was authored by the Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. Our analysis is based on publicly available information, including the company's official careers and investor pages, SEC filings, reputable news sources, and anonymized employee sentiment data from third-party sites. Our research process is detailed further in our methodology.
Sources
- KnowBe4 Careers — KnowBe4
- KnowBe4 Careers Page — KnowBe4
- Reuters — Reuters
- Glassdoor — Glassdoor
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — U.S. Department of Labor
- KnowBe4 DEI — KnowBe4
- KnowBe4 Compliance — KnowBe4
- Glassdoor Candidate Reviews — Glassdoor
- TechCrunch — TechCrunch
Quick answers
Researched and edited by Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. See our methodology.