What's It Really Like to Work at KnowBe4?
Explore a career at KnowBe4. Our 2024 review covers salaries, employee benefits, company culture, and the interview process to help you decide if it's the right fit.
Working at KnowBe4 means joining a mission-driven company focused on the human element of cybersecurity. Employees, known as "KBees," describe a fast-paced, energetic, and fun-loving culture with a strong emphasis on radical transparency. The company offers a competitive benefits package, including unlimited PTO, a 401(k) match, and comprehensive health insurance. However, candidates should be aware that the company was taken private by Vista Equity Partners in early 2023, a change that can impact long-term strategy and organizational structure.
- Founded
- 2010
- HQ
- Clearwater, Florida
- Employees
- 1650
- Industry
- Cybersecurity / Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
- Ownership
- Private
- KnowBe4 is a security awareness training company headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, with a mission to combat cybercrime through education.
- The company was acquired by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners for $4.6 billion in a deal that closed in February 2023, transitioning it from a public to a private company.
- KnowBe4 offers an "unlimited" Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, alongside a 401(k) with a company match and comprehensive health benefits.
- The company culture is frequently described as energetic and fun, with strong brand identity (the color orange is everywhere) and employee-centric events.
- Founder Stu Sjouwerman remains CEO, providing continuity in leadership through the ownership transition.
- The hiring process typically involves multiple steps, including skills assessments and interviews focused on aligning with the company's core cultural values.
Working at KnowBe4 means joining a mission-driven company focused on the human element of cybersecurity. Employees, known as "KBees," describe a fast-paced, energetic, and fun-loving culture with a strong emphasis on radical transparency. The company offers a competitive benefits package, including unlimited PTO, a 401(k) match, and comprehensive health insurance. However, candidates should be aware that the company was taken private by Vista Equity Partners in early 2023, a change that can impact long-term strategy and organizational structure.
What is it actually like to work at KnowBe4?
KnowBe4 is the world's largest integrated platform for security awareness training combined with simulated phishing attacks. The company's mission is to enable employees to make smarter security decisions, effectively creating a "human firewall" against cybercrime. For employees, this translates to a purpose-driven work environment where their contributions directly help protect thousands of organizations worldwide.
The culture is a defining aspect of the KnowBe4 experience. It's known for being high-energy, collaborative, and fun, with a distinct internal brand centered on the color orange and the "KBees" employee moniker. The company codifies its culture in three core values: radical transparency, extreme ownership, and execution. This ethos is championed by founder and CEO Stu Sjouwerman, who maintains a visible and active leadership role.
A significant recent development is the company's transition from a publicly traded entity (formerly ticker KNBE) to a private company. In February 2023, private equity firm Vista Equity Partners completed a $4.6 billion acquisition of KnowBe4. While the existing leadership team remained, this shift in ownership is a critical factor for any prospective employee to consider. Private equity ownership often brings a new level of fiscal discipline and strategic focus, which can manifest as both opportunities for streamlined growth and risks of restructuring or cost-cutting measures.
Source: KnowBe4 Careers Source: Vista Equity Partners Completes Acquisition of KnowBe4
How does KnowBe4 pay compare?
KnowBe4 positions itself as a competitive employer in its primary job markets, particularly its Clearwater, Florida headquarters. Compensation is benchmarked against the technology and cybersecurity industries and varies significantly based on role, experience level, and geographic location. Sales roles, for instance, have a significant portion of their compensation tied to commission and performance, while engineering and G&A roles are primarily salary-based.
Based on self-reported data from past and present employees, compensation appears to be at or slightly above the median for the Tampa Bay metropolitan area. For example, a Software Engineer in Clearwater can expect to earn a base salary that is competitive with the regional median, with additional potential compensation through bonuses and equity (though the nature of equity has changed since the company went private). It's important to treat self-reported data as an estimate and to clarify compensation specifics with a recruiter during the hiring process.
Below is a comparison of representative self-reported salaries at KnowBe4 against the median salaries for similar roles in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan statistical area, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
| Role | Representative KnowBe4 Salary (Clearwater, FL) | Median Salary (Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL MSA) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $115,100 / year | $103,450 / year | Glassdoor, U.S. BLS |
| Sales Development Rep | $67,500 / year (total pay) | $64,050 / year (base pay) | Glassdoor, U.S. BLS |
| Account Manager | $99,700 / year (total pay) | $96,650 / year (base pay) | Glassdoor, U.S. BLS |
Note: Self-reported salary data on platforms like Glassdoor should be considered directional. Total pay for sales roles often includes significant variable commission not reflected in BLS base pay data.
Source: KnowBe4 Salaries on Glassdoor Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics
What benefits and time-off does KnowBe4 offer?
KnowBe4 offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to attract and retain talent in the competitive tech industry. The company highlights its commitment to employee well-being through health, financial, and work-life balance initiatives.
Key benefits include:
- Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents. The company also offers wellness programs and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Financial & Retirement: A 401(k) retirement plan with a company match. As of their last public filings, the match was 100% on the first 3% of employee contributions and 50% on the next 2%, for a total company match of up to 4% of salary.
- Time Off: KnowBe4 offers an "unlimited" Paid Time Off (PTO) policy for salaried employees. This provides flexibility but also requires employees to be proactive in planning and taking sufficient leave. The company also provides a number of paid holidays.
- Parental Leave: The company offers paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers, supporting employees during a critical life event.
- Perks & Office Life: Headquarters in Clearwater is known for its amenities, including an on-site cafe, game rooms, and employee events. Many offices are pet-friendly, and the company culture encourages social gatherings and team-building activities.
Source: KnowBe4 Careers & Benefits
Culture, leadership, and DEI at KnowBe4
The culture at KnowBe4 is perhaps its most famous attribute. It is intentionally cultivated and a major part of the company's identity. The vibe is energetic, fast-paced, and often described as a "work hard, play hard" environment. The pervasive use of the color orange, the "KBees" identity, and large-scale company events like the annual "KB4-CON" for employees all reinforce a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Leadership, under founder and CEO Stu Sjouwerman, is a key pillar of the culture. Sjouwerman is known for his direct communication style and advocacy for "radical transparency." This value is demonstrated through regular company-wide meetings and open communication channels where business performance and strategic direction are shared openly with employees.
KnowBe4 has also made public commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The company supports several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that provide community and support for various employee populations, including:
- Black Employees at KnowBe4 (BEEKs)
- Women in Tech
- Military Veterans
- Knowsters with Disabilities
- Pride (LGBTQ+)
These groups organize events, provide mentorship, and contribute to a more inclusive workplace. The company has received numerous awards as a top workplace, which it features prominently as validation of its employee-first approach.
Source: Top Workplaces 2023 - KnowBe4 Source: KnowBe4 Blog
The hiring and interview process at KnowBe4
Based on candidate reports and company information, the hiring process at KnowBe4 is structured and thorough, with a significant emphasis on assessing cultural fit alongside professional skills.
A typical interview process for a professional role follows these steps:
- Application Review: Your resume and application are reviewed by the talent acquisition team.
- Recruiter Screen: A 30-minute introductory call with a recruiter to discuss your background, interest in the role, and basic qualifications. This is also your chance to ask initial questions about the company and position.
- Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth conversation with the manager you would be reporting to. This focuses on your technical and tactical skills and experience relevant to the job.
- Skills Assessment or Presentation: Depending on the role, you may be asked to complete a take-home assignment, a live technical challenge (for engineering roles), or prepare a presentation (for sales or marketing roles). This evaluates your practical abilities.
- Panel Interview: You meet with a group of team members, often including peers and cross-functional colleagues. This stage assesses collaboration potential and how you might fit into the team dynamic.
- Final Interview: Often with a department head or senior leader, this final conversation is typically focused on high-level strategy, career aspirations, and a final confirmation of cultural alignment with KnowBe4's core values.
Candidates consistently report that interviewers are looking for enthusiasm, a proactive attitude, and a genuine interest in the company's mission. Be prepared to talk about why you want to work at KnowBe4 specifically.
Source: KnowBe4 Interview Insights on Glassdoor
Career growth and learning at KnowBe4
KnowBe4's history as a hyper-growth company has created numerous opportunities for career advancement. The company prides itself on promoting from within and provides resources for employees to develop new skills. Internal mobility is common, with employees often moving between departments or into leadership roles as the company expands.
An internal "KnowBe4 University" provides employees with access to training materials, including both professional development courses and the company's own security awareness training. This focus on learning is integral to a company whose entire business is built on education.
While the rapid growth of the past created a dynamic environment for advancement, the new ownership structure under Vista Equity Partners may introduce more structured, deliberate approaches to career pathing and headcount management. Ambitious employees should be proactive in discussing career goals with their managers and seeking out opportunities for high-impact projects.
Risks, criticisms, and what to watch
No workplace is perfect, and a balanced view of KnowBe4 requires acknowledging potential risks and criticisms. The most significant factor to watch is the impact of the Vista Equity Partners acquisition. While leadership continuity is a positive sign, private equity firms typically operate on a 5-7 year investment cycle with a strong focus on increasing profitability and operational efficiency. This can lead to:
- Restructuring and Layoffs: Cost-cutting measures to streamline the business are a common tool in the PE playbook. While there have been no major public announcements of layoffs, it remains a long-term risk.
- Shift in Culture: A relentless focus on metrics and financial performance can sometimes erode the more free-wheeling, fun aspects of a company's culture.
- Pace of Investment: Investment in new headcount, experimental projects, and employee perks may be more heavily scrutinized than when KnowBe4 was a public company focused on top-line growth.
Some employee reviews also mention challenges common to fast-growing tech companies, such as pressure to meet ambitious sales goals, occasional organizational chaos as processes struggle to keep up with scale, and varying quality of middle management. Regarding benefits, while "unlimited PTO" is an attractive perk, studies and anecdotal reports suggest employees with this policy sometimes take less time off than those with a fixed number of days, due to social pressure or fear of falling behind.
Source: SEC Filing on Merger Agreement Source: Employee Reviews on Indeed
Most Loved Workplaces® context
Most Loved Workplaces® certification is a rigorous, data-driven analysis of where employees are happiest and most successful. Based on research from Best Practice Institute, with a certified network of 1,800 companies and 2.8 million employees, the data shows that culture is a key business driver. For instance, 92% of employees at Most Loved Workplaces® apply for roles when openings arise, demonstrating high internal engagement. These top-tier companies also see 4× higher revenue growth than their industry peers and enjoy 48% higher employee retention. The analysis is based on the SPARK framework, which evaluates 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, based on publicly available information including company statements, SEC filings, employee-review platforms with disclosure, and reputable news and trade press. For more on our process, see our methodology. [/methodology]
Sources
- KnowBe4 Careers — KnowBe4
- Vista Equity Partners Completes Acquisition of KnowBe4 — Vista Equity Partners
- KnowBe4 Salaries on Glassdoor — Glassdoor
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Top Workplaces 2023 - KnowBe4 — Top Workplaces
- KnowBe4 Blog — KnowBe4
- KnowBe4 Interview Insights on Glassdoor — Glassdoor
- SEC Filing on Merger Agreement — U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
- Employee Reviews on Indeed — Indeed
Quick answers
Researched and edited by Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. See our methodology.