What's It Really Like to Work at KnowBe4?
Explore cybersecurity careers at KnowBe4. Our 2025 review covers salary, benefits, company culture, and the interview process to help you decide.
Working at KnowBe4 means being immersed in the mission of creating a human-centric defense against cybercrime. Employees, known as 'Knowsters,' describe a fast-paced, high-energy culture driven by a strong sense of purpose and a focus on making security awareness training engaging and effective. While the company is known for its fun and award-winning office environment, it is also a demanding workplace focused on growth and performance. The 2023 acquisition by Vista Equity Partners introduced a new private equity ownership structure, signaling a strategic focus on continued market leadership.
- Founded
- 2010
- HQ
- Clearwater, Florida
- CEO
- An-Phuong Ly
- Employees
- 1600
- Industry
- Cybersecurity / Security Awareness Training
- Ownership
- Private
- KnowBe4's culture is mission-driven, focusing on combating cybercrime through employee education and awareness.
- The company was acquired by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners in February 2023, shifting it from a public to a private company.
- In May 2024, An-Phuong Ly was appointed CEO, taking over from founder Stu Sjouwerman.
- Benefits are comprehensive, including a 401(k) match, paid parental leave, and a flexible vacation policy, though specifics are not publicly detailed.
- The work environment is often described as high-energy and fast-paced, which may appeal to some candidates but could be a risk for burnout.
- Career growth opportunities are tied to the company's core business of continuous learning, with a strong emphasis on staying current with evolving threats.
Working at KnowBe4 means being immersed in the mission of creating a human-centric defense against cybercrime. Employees, known as 'Knowsters,' describe a fast-paced, high-energy culture driven by a strong sense of purpose and a focus on making security awareness training engaging and effective. While the company is known for its fun and award-winning office environment, it is also a demanding workplace focused on growth and performance. The 2023 acquisition by Vista Equity Partners introduced a new private equity ownership structure, signaling a strategic focus on continued market leadership.
What is it actually like to work at KnowBe4?
Working at KnowBe4 is defined by its central mission: enabling employees everywhere to make smarter security decisions. This purpose infuses the daily work, which revolves around creating and deploying security awareness training. Employees, who call themselves 'Knowsters,' are part of a company that built the world's largest platform for this niche, blending interactive modules, videos, and simulated phishing attacks to arm clients against real-world threats.
The culture is frequently described as high-energy, entrepreneurial, and fun. The company has invested heavily in its Clearwater, Florida headquarters, creating a unique and engaging physical space. However, the culture is more than just perks; it's about a shared belief in the product's importance. As the source material indicates, the company's products are designed to be engaging and even gamified, a philosophy that often carries over into the work environment itself. Expect a fast-paced setting where performance and hitting growth targets are key metrics of success. The vibe is that of a successful tech scale-up, even as it matures under new ownership.
How does KnowBe4 pay compare?
As a private company since its early 2023 acquisition by Vista Equity Partners, KnowBe4 is not required to disclose executive compensation or detailed salary bands. Compensation is competitive for the tech industry, particularly in the Tampa Bay, Florida area, but may vary when compared to major tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York.
Pay is composed of base salary and, for many roles, performance-based bonuses or commissions. Sales roles, in particular, have a significant variable component tied to meeting targets. To provide context, we've compiled data from self-reported, non-verified sources and compared it to national averages.
| Role | Representative KnowBe4 Salary Range | U.S. National Median (All Industries) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $105,000 - $160,000 | $110,140 |
| Sales Development Representative (SDR) | $55,000 - $85,000 (OTE) | $63,650 |
Note: KnowBe4 salary data is based on self-reported, non-verified submissions to Glassdoor as of late 2024. National median data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023). OTE means 'On-Target Earnings' and includes base salary plus commission.
Equity, once a significant draw when KnowBe4 was a publicly traded company (KNBE), has changed post-acquisition. Candidates should inquire directly about long-term incentive plans or equity-like participation under the new private ownership structure.
Source: Glassdoor - KnowBe4 Salaries Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook
What benefits and time-off does KnowBe4 offer?
KnowBe4 provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to be competitive within the tech industry. While specific plan details may vary by location and role, the company's public statements highlight a strong commitment to employee well-being.
The core package includes:
- Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
- Financial Security: A 401(k) retirement plan with a company matching component, helping employees save for the future.
- Time Off: The company advertises a "flexible vacation" policy, often referred to as unlimited or discretionary PTO. This type of policy offers autonomy but requires personal discipline and clear communication with managers to utilize effectively.
- Parental Leave: KnowBe4 offers paid parental leave for new parents, a critical benefit for supporting employees' family lives.
- Additional Perks: Other benefits often include company-paid life insurance, disability insurance, and other perks that contribute to a supportive work environment.
Candidates should confirm the specifics of the PTO policy, 401(k) match percentage, and health insurance premium contributions during the hiring process to fully understand the total compensation package.
Culture, leadership, and DEI at KnowBe4
KnowBe4's culture was shaped for over a decade by its founder, Stu Sjouwerman, who cultivated an energetic, sales-driven, and often unconventional workplace. In May 2024, the company entered a new chapter with the appointment of An-Phuong Ly as CEO. This leadership transition, combined with the 2023 private equity acquisition, marks a significant moment of evolution for the company. While the foundational mission remains, candidates should expect a renewed focus on structured growth and operational efficiency under new leadership.
Respect and employee engagement are core tenets. The company's training products, which use gamification to improve knowledge retention, reflect a belief that engaged people perform better. This philosophy extends internally with a focus on creating a positive and collaborative environment. The SPARK framework—Systemic Collaboration, Positive Vision, Alignment of Values, Respect, and Kindness—is a model used to understand what drives employee love for their workplace.
KnowBe4 publicly commits to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The company has established Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), including for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and veterans, to foster community and provide support. They aim to create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, believing it strengthens the company and its ability to combat the multifaceted world of cyber threats.
Source: KnowBe4 Appoints An-Phuong Ly as New CEO Source: KnowBe4 DEI Statement
The hiring and interview process at KnowBe4
The hiring process at KnowBe4 is designed to identify candidates who are not only skilled but also align with the company's high-energy culture and mission-driven purpose. While the exact steps vary by department and role, candidates can generally expect a multi-stage process.
- Application and Initial Screen: After submitting an application, qualified candidates typically have an initial conversation with a recruiter. This stage confirms basic qualifications and assesses initial cultural fit and enthusiasm for the company's mission.
- Hiring Manager Interview: This conversation dives deeper into your specific skills and experience as they relate to the role. Expect behavioral questions about past projects, challenges, and successes.
- Panel or Technical Interviews: For technical roles (like engineering or cybersecurity research), expect a technical assessment or a live coding challenge. For other roles, this may be a panel interview with potential team members to assess collaborative skills. You will be expected to demonstrate your expertise.
- Final Interview: The final stage often involves a meeting with a senior leader. This interview focuses heavily on cultural alignment, long-term career aspirations, and ensuring you are a good fit for the 'Knowster' community.
Throughout the process, be prepared to talk about why you are passionate about cybersecurity and the human element of security. Given that the company's product is continuous education, demonstrating a commitment to your own learning and growth is a significant plus.
Source: Glassdoor - KnowBe4 Interviews
Career growth and learning at KnowBe4
At a company whose entire business is built on education, learning and development are naturally central to the employee experience. KnowBe4's mission hinges on the idea that threats are constantly evolving, and therefore, continuous education is crucial for survival. This principle is applied internally just as it is sold to customers.
Employees are expected to be perpetual learners. The company's own content library is updated monthly to reflect emerging cyber threats, and the internal culture encourages employees to stay at the forefront of industry trends. Career growth is often tied to this principle; those who demonstrate initiative, absorb new information quickly, and apply it to their roles are most likely to advance.
Opportunities for growth can come through formal promotions, internal mobility to new departments, or by taking on more complex projects. The rapid growth of the company has historically created many such opportunities. Candidates should inquire about specific career pathing for their role and ask about company support for external certifications, further education, or attending industry conferences. The fast-paced environment rewards those who are proactive in their own development.
Source: KnowBe4 Product Information
Risks, criticisms, and what to watch
No company is without its challenges, and candidates should consider a few key factors. The most significant is the February 2023 acquisition by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners. PE ownership fundamentally changes a company's trajectory. The focus typically shifts to maximizing financial returns over a 5-7 year period, which can lead to aggressive cost controls, restructurings, and a more intense focus on metrics and efficiency. While this can drive growth, it can also alter the founder-led culture that defined KnowBe4 for years.
Secondly, the high-energy, 'work hard, play hard' culture can be a double-edged sword. While many employees thrive in this environment, reviews on platforms like Glassdoor sometimes point to pressure and a risk of burnout, particularly in high-quota sales roles. Candidates should honestly assess if this fast pace aligns with their preferred work style.
Finally, the security awareness training market has become increasingly crowded. While KnowBe4 is a clear leader, it faces intense competition. This market pressure translates into a constant need for innovation and performance, which drives the demanding pace of work within the company. For candidates, this means joining a team that is constantly on its toes, which can be either exhilarating or exhausting.
Source: Vista Equity Partners Completes $4.6 Billion Acquisition of KnowBe4
Most Loved Workplaces® context
Most Loved Workplaces® certification is a rigorous, data-driven analysis of employee sentiment and workplace culture. The research, backed by the Best Practice Institute, covers 2.8 million employees across 1,800 certified companies worldwide. At top-tier Most Loved Workplaces®, revenue growth can be 4× higher than that of their industry peers, and they experience 48% higher employee retention. A key insight from this research is that 92% of employees at Most Loved Workplaces® actively apply for internal roles when openings arise, indicating strong engagement and belief in the company's future. The SPARK framework (Systemic Collaboration, Positive Vision of the Future, Alignment of Values, Respect, and Kindness) provides a lens to understand the elements that create a truly healthy workplace.
How we researched this report
This report was written by the Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. Our analysis is based on information from the company's public statements, SEC filings, official news releases, reputable trade press, and aggregated, self-reported employee data from third-party platforms. For more details on our process, please see our methodology.
Sources
- KnowBe4 Careers — KnowBe4
- Glassdoor - KnowBe4 Salaries — Glassdoor
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- KnowBe4 Benefits — KnowBe4
- KnowBe4 Appoints An-Phuong Ly as New CEO — KnowBe4
- KnowBe4 DEI Statement — KnowBe4
- Glassdoor - KnowBe4 Interviews — Glassdoor
- KnowBe4 Product Information — KnowBe4
- Vista Equity Partners Completes $4.6 Billion Acquisition of KnowBe4 — PR Newswire
Quick answers
Researched and edited by Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. See our methodology.