What's It Really Like to Work at KnowBe4?
Explore an evidence-first review of what it's like working at KnowBe4. We analyze the culture, salaries, comprehensive benefits, and interview process to help you decide if it's the right fit.
Working at KnowBe4 means joining a high-energy, mission-driven cybersecurity company with a famously fun and transparent culture. Employees, known as 'KB4-sters', benefit from a standout package that includes fully-paid medical insurance, unlimited PTO, and a strong 401(k) match. The company, founded by CEO Stu Sjouwerman, emphasizes radical transparency and a 'no-jerks' policy. However, candidates should be aware of the potential for cultural shifts following its 2023 acquisition by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners.
- Founded
- 2010
- HQ
- Clearwater, Florida
- Employees
- 2400
- Industry
- Cybersecurity, Security Awareness Training
- Ownership
- Private
- KnowBe4 provides 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for its employees.
- The company offers an unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) policy for most roles.
- In 2023, KnowBe4 was acquired by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners in a $4.6 billion deal, transitioning it from a public to a private company.
- The company's culture is built on values like 'radical transparency' and is frequently cited in 'Best Place to Work' awards.
- KnowBe4's business is security awareness training, and its internal culture reflects a strong emphasis on privacy, trust, and employee well-being.
Working at KnowBe4 means joining a high-energy, mission-driven cybersecurity company with a famously fun and transparent culture. Employees, known as 'KB4-sters', benefit from a standout package that includes fully-paid medical insurance, unlimited PTO, and a strong 401(k) match. The company, founded by CEO Stu Sjouwerman, emphasizes radical transparency and a 'no-jerks' policy. However, candidates should be aware of the potential for cultural shifts following its 2023 acquisition by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners.
What is it actually like to work at KnowBe4?
KnowBe4 has built a reputation as one of the most vibrant and employee-centric employers in the cybersecurity industry and the Tampa Bay, Florida tech scene. The company's mission—to enable employees to make smarter security decisions—infuses the workplace with a strong sense of purpose. Employees, who call themselves "KB4-sters," frequently describe the atmosphere as fast-paced, collaborative, and fun. The company has three core rules: 1) do it right the first time, 2) do it fast, and 3) have fun while you do it.
This commitment to culture is validated by numerous external awards, including consistent rankings on lists by Fortune, Inc. Magazine, and Tampa Bay Times for being a top workplace. The environment is casual, with an emphasis on teamwork and open communication. Leadership, including founder and CEO Stu Sjouwerman, champions a policy of "radical transparency," sharing detailed company performance information with all employees regularly. The product philosophy itself, which emphasizes building trust and protecting employees during security simulations, mirrors the internal focus on psychological safety and respect. It's a demanding environment that expects high performance, but it aims to provide the support, tools, and levity to make that work sustainable and rewarding.
How does KnowBe4 pay compare?
KnowBe4 aims to offer competitive compensation to attract and retain talent in the highly competitive cybersecurity market. Their compensation packages typically consist of a base salary, and for many roles, a performance-based bonus or commission structure. While the company is now private and does not disclose salary bands publicly, aggregated data from platforms like Payscale and Glassdoor provide insight into typical pay ranges.
Based on this data, KnowBe4's salaries are generally at or slightly above the national average for similar roles in the software industry. For technical roles like software engineering, compensation appears particularly competitive, reflecting the high demand for these skills. Sales and customer success roles feature a base salary combined with aggressive, uncapped commission and bonus plans that can significantly increase total earnings for high performers.
Here’s how salaries for a few key positions at KnowBe4 compare to the industry median, according to self-reported data:
| Role | Median Salary at KnowBe4 | U.S. National Median (Software) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | ~$121,000 | ~$110,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | ~$145,000 | ~$135,000 |
| Sales Development Representative (SDR) | ~$55,000 Base | ~$53,000 Base |
| Customer Success Manager | ~$78,000 Base | ~$75,000 Base |
Note: Salary data is based on self-reported, aggregated data from Payscale and Glassdoor as of late 2023 and may vary based on experience, location, and role specifics. Base salaries are shown for sales and success roles, which typically include significant variable compensation.
Beyond direct pay, it’s essential to consider the total rewards package, as KnowBe4's benefits are a significant part of their value proposition. Before being taken private, the company also offered stock options and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), though the current equity structure under private ownership is not publicly detailed.
Source: Payscale KnowBe4 Salary Data
What benefits and time-off does KnowBe4 offer?
KnowBe4's benefits package is a major differentiator and a cornerstone of its employee-first culture. The company's stated goal is to remove common life stressors so employees can focus on their work and well-being. The most significant of these benefits is the fully employer-paid health insurance.
Key highlights of the benefits program include:
- Fully-Paid Insurance: KnowBe4 covers 100% of the premium for medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees. Dependent coverage is also available at a subsidized rate.
- Unlimited PTO: The company offers an unlimited Paid Time Off policy, trusting employees to take the time they need to rest and recharge without the stress of accruing days. This is paired with 10 paid company holidays.
- Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan is offered with what employees describe as a generous company match, helping them save for the long term.
- Parental Leave: The company provides paid maternity and paternity leave to support employees growing their families.
- Financial Wellness: Other perks include life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and a healthcare flexible spending account (FSA).
- Onsite & Lifestyle Perks: For those at the Clearwater, FL headquarters, perks have historically included an on-site gym, catered lunches, and a game room. The company also promotes a casual dress code.
This comprehensive package is designed to be well above the industry standard, reflecting a philosophy that investing heavily in employee well-being is good for business. These benefits significantly enhance the overall value of working at the company beyond the base salary.
Culture, leadership, and DEI at KnowBe4
The culture at KnowBe4 is its most prominent asset. It's built on a foundation of transparency, accountability, and having fun. The CEO, Stu Sjouwerman, is a highly visible and accessible leader who holds monthly all-hands meetings to update the entire company on financials and strategic initiatives, embodying their value of "radical transparency."
The company's product—a platform for ethical and effective security awareness training—informs its internal ethos. Just as they advise clients to run phishing simulations that build trust and avoid causing employee distress, they cultivate an internal environment of psychological safety. The emphasis on governance, privacy, and clear escalation paths in their product is mirrored in their HR and management practices. They have a strict "no-jerks" policy that is actively enforced during the hiring process and beyond.
On Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), KnowBe4 has established multiple Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support employees from various backgrounds, including groups for women, Black and Latinx employees, LGBTQ+ individuals, and veterans. These groups contribute to policy, drive community initiatives, and provide a support network for members and allies. The company has been recognized for its efforts in creating an inclusive workplace, particularly for women in technology. While, like much of the tech industry, there is ongoing work to be done, the foundational commitment to DEI is a stated priority for leadership.
Source: KnowBe4 Management Team Source: Glassdoor KnowBe4 Reviews
The hiring and interview process at KnowBe4
The hiring process at KnowBe4 is designed to be thorough and assess both technical skills and cultural alignment. Candidates consistently report a multi-stage process that is professional, communicative, and respectful of their time.
A typical interview loop often includes:
- Initial Screening: A conversation with a recruiter to discuss the role, your background, and basic cultural fit. They are looking for energy, passion, and alignment with KnowBe4's fast-paced environment.
- Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience and the specifics of the role with the person you would be reporting to.
- Technical or Skills-Based Assessment: For technical roles, this could be a coding challenge or a system design discussion. For sales or marketing roles, it might involve a mock presentation or a portfolio review.
- Panel or Team Interview: Meetings with potential peers and cross-functional partners. This stage heavily weighs cultural fit and the "no-jerks" policy. They want to see how you collaborate, communicate, and solve problems with the team.
- Executive Interview: For some roles, a final conversation with a department VP or another senior leader seals the deal.
Throughout the process, interviewers are gauging your passion for the company's mission. They want to hire people who are genuinely excited about helping organizations fight cybercrime. Candidates are encouraged to be authentic and ask questions. The company values transparency and expects candidates to be transparent as well. Feedback from past applicants on Glassdoor is generally positive, even from those who did not receive an offer, often citing the professionalism of the recruiting team.
Source: Glassdoor KnowBe4 Interviews
Career growth and learning at KnowBe4
As a company whose entire business is built on training and education, KnowBe4 places a strong emphasis on internal employee development. Career growth is supported through a combination of formal programs, on-the-job training, and a culture that encourages internal mobility. This aligns with findings from the Most Loved Workplaces® research program, where a remarkable 92% of employees at certified companies apply for roles when openings arise, indicating a high level of trust in internal career pathways.
KnowBe4 provides employees with access to its own library of training content, helping them stay sharp on cybersecurity best practices. Beyond that, managers are given budgets for professional development, allowing employees to pursue external certifications, attend industry conferences, or take courses relevant to their career goals. The company has a track record of promoting an average of 15% of its employees every year.
The rapid growth of the company has historically created many opportunities for employees to take on new responsibilities, move into leadership positions, or transition between departments. The sales team, for example, has a clearly defined career ladder from Sales Development Representative to various levels of Account Executive and management. While the pace of growth may moderate under private equity ownership, the foundation for learning and development remains a core part of the company's DNA.
Risks, criticisms, and what to watch
No workplace is perfect, and candidates considering KnowBe4 should be aware of potential risks and common criticisms. The single largest factor creating uncertainty is the company's February 2023 acquisition by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners for $4.6 billion. While leadership has stressed continuity, private equity ownership often brings a sharpened focus on profitability and efficiency that can lead to cultural shifts, changes in strategy, or restructuring. Candidates should ask pointed questions during interviews about the long-term vision under new ownership and how it might impact the role and company culture.
Common themes in less favorable employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor often relate to the challenges of hyper-growth. Some employees have cited issues with inconsistent middle management, burnout from the fast-paced environment, and processes struggling to keep up with the company's scale. While the "fun" culture is a major selling point, some find the high-energy, socially-driven atmosphere can be overwhelming if it doesn't match their personality.
Finally, as with many high-growth sales organizations, the environment can be high-pressure with demanding quotas. While the rewards for success are significant, the performance expectations are equally high. It's a culture best suited for those who thrive under pressure and are motivated by clear, measurable goals.
Most Loved Workplaces® context
KnowBe4's certification as a Most Loved Workplace® signals a strong alignment with the values and practices shared by over 1,800 certified companies in the global network. These organizations, representing 2.8 million employees, demonstrate a powerful commitment to their people, which translates into superior business performance. Research shows that top-tier Most Loved Workplaces® experience 4× higher revenue growth compared to their industry peers. They also achieve 48% higher employee retention, a testament to the power of a healthy workplace culture built on the SPARK framework: Systemic Collaboration, a Positive Vision of the Future, Alignment of Values, Respect, and Kindness.
How we researched this report
Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. Our reports are based on a combination of primary source analysis, including company websites and financial filings; reputable third-party data from sources like Glassdoor, Payscale, and government statistics; and insights from the Most Loved Workplaces® certification process. Learn more about our methodology.
Sources
- KnowBe4 Careers — KnowBe4
- KnowBe4 Benefits — KnowBe4
- Payscale KnowBe4 Salary Data — Payscale
- Reuters — Reuters
- KnowBe4 Management Team — KnowBe4
- Glassdoor KnowBe4 Reviews — Glassdoor
- Glassdoor KnowBe4 Interviews — Glassdoor
Quick answers
Researched and edited by Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. See our methodology.