What's It Really Like to Work at KnowBe4?
Our 2024 analysis of careers at KnowBe4 explores salary, company culture, unlimited PTO, fully paid benefits, and post-acquisition changes. Decide if it's right for you.
Working at KnowBe4 means joining a cybersecurity leader known for a uniquely fun and transparent culture, headquartered in the Tampa Bay, Florida area. Employees enjoy exceptionally strong benefits, including 100% company-paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance and unlimited paid time off. The company, founded by Stu Sjouwerman, champions 'radical transparency,' sharing detailed company metrics with all employees weekly. While the high-energy, quirky environment is a major draw for many, prospective candidates should be aware of changes following its 2023 acquisition by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, including reported layoffs and shifts in the famously generous spending culture.
- Founded
- 2010
- HQ
- Clearwater, Florida
- Employees
- 2000
- Industry
- Cybersecurity
- Ownership
- Private
- KnowBe4 offers 100% company-paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for employees and their partners.
- The company culture is built on 'radical transparency,' with CEO Stu Sjouwerman holding weekly town halls to share company performance data.
- KnowBe4 provides an unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy for its employees.
- Following its acquisition by Vista Equity Partners in 2023, the company has undergone some restructuring, including layoffs.
- Employee reviews frequently praise the fun office environment in Clearwater, Florida, which includes themed floors and company events.
- The interview process typically involves a recruiter screen, a hiring manager interview, and a panel or skills-based interview.
Working at KnowBe4 means joining a cybersecurity leader known for a uniquely fun and transparent culture, headquartered in the Tampa Bay, Florida area. Employees enjoy exceptionally strong benefits, including 100% company-paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance and unlimited paid time off. The company, founded by Stu Sjouwerman, champions 'radical transparency,' sharing detailed company metrics with all employees weekly. While the high-energy, quirky environment is a major draw for many, prospective candidates should be aware of changes following its 2023 acquisition by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, including reported layoffs and shifts in the famously generous spending culture.
What is it actually like to work at KnowBe4?
Working at KnowBe4 is often described by employees as an experience defined by three core pillars: a mission-driven focus on cybersecurity, a commitment to "radical transparency," and a deliberately fun, high-energy office culture. As the world's largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, the daily work centers on helping organizations manage the human element of security. This creates a strong sense of purpose among team members, who are often called "Knowsters."
The company's value of "radical transparency" is a cornerstone of its internal operations. Founder and CEO Stu Sjouwerman holds weekly all-hands town hall meetings where he shares detailed financial and operational metrics—from sales numbers to departmental budgets—with the entire company. This level of openness is rare and is intended to foster a sense of ownership and trust among employees.
The most visible aspect of the culture is its emphasis on fun. The Clearwater, Florida, headquarters is famous for its themed floors, nerf gun battles, and frequent company-sponsored events and parties. This quirky, informal atmosphere is designed to make work enjoyable and build strong team bonds. While this vibrant environment is a significant perk for many, candidates who prefer a more traditional, quiet, or formal corporate setting might find it overwhelming. The culture is a key part of the company's identity and a major factor in whether a new hire will thrive. Source: KnowBe4 Careers
How does KnowBe4 pay compare?
KnowBe4's compensation is generally considered competitive, particularly when bundled with its comprehensive benefits package. Salaries vary significantly by role, experience level, and location, with technical and sales roles often having the highest earning potential through bonuses and commissions.
Based on self-reported data from past and present employees, compensation for key roles in the Tampa Bay area is often at or above the local market median. For example:
- Software Engineers report average base salaries around $121,500, which is slightly above the median of $114,340 for software developers in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Sales Development Representatives (SDRs), a common entry-point into the company's sales organization, report base salaries around $50,000, aligning closely with the local median for similar roles.
- Account Managers and other sales roles include a significant commission component, with on-target earnings (OTE) often reaching well into six figures, reflecting the company's strong sales-driven focus.
It is important to note that these figures are based on self-reported data and can change. Since the acquisition by Vista Equity Partners, some employees have reported a closer watch on salary bands and bonus structures. Candidates should confirm compensation details for their specific role during the hiring process. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Source: Glassdoor
What benefits and time-off does KnowBe4 offer?
KnowBe4 has historically been known for offering one of the most generous benefits packages in the technology industry, and especially in the Tampa Bay region. This has been a major competitive advantage in attracting and retaining talent.
Key benefits highlighted on their official careers page include:
- Fully-Paid Health Insurance: KnowBe4 pays 100% of the premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their domestic partners. This is an exceptionally rare and valuable benefit that can save employees thousands of dollars per year.
- Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO): The company offers an unlimited PTO policy, trusting employees to take the time they need to rest and recharge while still fulfilling their job responsibilities. This is complemented by a generous number of paid holidays.
- Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan is available with a company match. Historically this has been a 4% match on employee contributions, helping employees build their long-term savings.
- Parental Leave: The company offers paid parental leave for new parents to bond with their child.
- Additional Perks: KnowBe4 has also been known for a wide array of additional perks, including a new-hire bonus, a fully-stocked kitchen with snacks and drinks, subsidized lunches, and a budget for professional development. While some of these perks may be subject to change post-acquisition, the core benefits like healthcare and PTO have remained central to their offering.
This comprehensive benefits package significantly increases the total compensation value for employees beyond their base salary. Source: KnowBe4 Benefits
Culture, leadership, and DEI at KnowBe4
KnowBe4's culture is its most discussed attribute. Led by the energetic and highly visible CEO Stu Sjouwerman, the company's leadership team evangelizes a set of core values that include radical transparency, accountability, and fun. Sjouwerman's hands-on approach, including the weekly town halls and his active presence around the office, has created a strong top-down cultural current.
However, the culture is not without its complexities. The very things that many employees love—the constant activities, informal communication, and high energy—can be a challenge for others who may prefer a more structured environment. Some online reviews have occasionally described the atmosphere as "cliquey" or intense, suggesting that fitting into the social fabric is important for success.
Regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), KnowBe4 has publicly stated its commitment to building a diverse workforce. The company has employee resource groups (ERGs) and has participated in initiatives aimed at improving representation in the tech industry. Their careers page highlights a commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all "Knowsters" can be their authentic selves. Like many tech companies, they face the ongoing challenge of improving diversity in technical and leadership roles, an area of continuous focus. Candidates are encouraged to ask about specific DEI initiatives and ERG activities during the interview process to gauge the company's current efforts. Source: KnowBe4 About Us
The hiring and interview process at KnowBe4
The hiring process at KnowBe4 is designed to be thorough yet relatively efficient, aiming to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Based on candidate reports, the process typically follows these steps:
- Initial Application & Recruiter Screen: After applying online, qualified candidates usually have a 30-minute phone call with a recruiter. This stage focuses on your background, interest in the role, salary expectations, and a basic overview of whether you align with the company's high-energy culture.
- Hiring Manager Interview: The next step is an interview with the hiring manager for the team you would be joining. This is a deeper dive into your specific experience, skills, and how you would handle situations relevant to the role.
- Panel or Skills-Based Interview: Depending on the role, you may meet with a panel of team members or complete a technical assessment. For engineering roles, this could be a coding challenge. For sales roles, it might be a mock-call or presentation. For creative roles, it would involve a portfolio review.
- Final Interview: A final conversation, sometimes with a department head or senior leader, is often the last step. This is a final check for cultural fit and an opportunity for you to ask any remaining questions.
Candidates generally report a positive experience, describing recruiters and interviewers as friendly and communicative. The entire process, from application to offer, typically takes between two to four weeks. The key to success is demonstrating not only the required job skills but also enthusiasm, a proactive attitude, and an appreciation for a transparent and collaborative work style. Source: Indeed & Glassdoor Candidate Reviews
Career growth and learning at KnowBe4
As a company in the business of training, KnowBe4 places a strong emphasis on internal learning and development. Employees are encouraged to become experts in the cybersecurity field and are given free access to the company's own extensive library of training modules. This practice of "drinking your own champagne" ensures that employees are well-versed in the product and the industry.
Career growth opportunities have historically been plentiful due to the company's rapid expansion. The structure encourages internal mobility, and the company has a track record of promoting from within. High-performers, particularly in sales and customer success, often see a clear path for advancement. For technical roles, the company has expanded its engineering and product teams, creating new opportunities for seniority and leadership.
The company also provides a budget for external training, certifications, and conferences, allowing employees to pursue professional development aligned with their career goals. The fast-paced environment means employees are often exposed to new projects and technologies, providing on-the-job learning that complements formal training. Source: KnowBe4 Careers
Risks, criticisms, and what to watch
No workplace is perfect, and prospective employees should consider some of the risks and criticisms associated with KnowBe4. The most significant recent event is the company's acquisition by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners for $4.6 billion in February 2023. Such acquisitions are often followed by changes aimed at increasing operational efficiency and profitability.
In the year following the acquisition, KnowBe4 conducted layoffs, impacting a percentage of its workforce. While the company stated this was a strategic realignment to position for future growth, these actions have understandably created uncertainty. Some employees have reported a tightening of budgets and a more rigorous focus on metrics and performance, which marks a shift from the more free-spending culture the company was known for during its hyper-growth phase as a public company.
Additionally, the very culture that defines KnowBe4 can be a double-edged sword. While many thrive in the fun, loud, and social environment, those who prefer quieter, more individual-focused work may find it distracting or intense. Candidates should be honest with themselves about what kind of environment they work best in. Despite these challenges, many employees continue to praise the company's mission, strong leadership, and the quality of their colleagues, indicating that the core of the culture remains intact. Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal
Most Loved Workplaces® context
Most Loved Workplaces® like KnowBe4 often demonstrate a commitment to their employees that goes beyond standard compensation. With a network of over 1,800 certified companies representing 2.8 million employees, our research shows a clear link between a loved workplace and business success. Top-tier Most Loved Workplaces® experience 4× higher revenue growth compared to their industry peers. This positive environment also fosters loyalty; at Most Loved Workplaces®, 92% of employees apply for roles when openings arise, and companies see 48% higher employee retention. These outcomes are often driven by 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, /methodology
Sources
- KnowBe4 Careers — KnowBe4
- KnowBe4 Benefits — KnowBe4
- KnowBe4 About Us — KnowBe4
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — U.S. Department of Labor
- Glassdoor — Glassdoor, Inc.
- Indeed & Glassdoor Candidate Reviews — Glassdoor, Inc.
- Tampa Bay Business Journal — American City Business Journals
- Vista Equity Partners Press Release — Vista Equity Partners
Quick answers
Researched and edited by Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. See our methodology.