What Is It Like to Work at KnowBe4?
An in-depth look at the culture, salaries, and benefits of working at KnowBe4. Explore our evidence-first review to see if the cybersecurity leader is right for you.
Working at KnowBe4 means joining a high-growth cybersecurity training company with a strong, often-celebrated culture focused on transparency and employee development. Employees benefit from robust compensation, fully-paid medical premium options, and a mission-driven environment aimed at helping organizations manage the human element of security. While the company is known for its fun and quirky 'KB4' culture, candidates should be aware of the fast-paced sales environment and recent strategic changes following its 2023 acquisition by a private equity firm.
- Founded
- 2010
- HQ
- Clearwater, Florida
- Employees
- 1700
- Industry
- Cybersecurity
- Ownership
- Private
- KnowBe4 has been named a 'Most Loved Workplace®' multiple times, reflecting a strong positive culture.
- The company offers a standout benefit: 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
- Salaries are competitive, with roles like Software Engineer earning an estimated average above the national median for the profession.
- The company was acquired by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners in February 2023, a significant event that candidates should consider for its potential impact on future strategy and culture.
- KnowBe4's hiring process often includes a DISC personality assessment, signaling a focus on team dynamics and workplace behavior.
- Founder Stu Sjouwerman remains CEO post-acquisition and is known for a leadership style of 'radical transparency'.
Working at KnowBe4 means joining a high-growth cybersecurity training company with a strong, often-celebrated culture focused on transparency and employee development. Employees benefit from robust compensation, fully-paid medical premium options, and a mission-driven environment aimed at helping organizations manage the human element of security. While the company is known for its fun and quirky 'KB4' culture, candidates should be aware of the fast-paced sales environment and recent strategic changes following its 2023 acquisition by a private equity firm.
What is it actually like to work at KnowBe4?
Working at KnowBe4 is described by employees as a unique blend of mission-driven focus, high-energy sales culture, and quirky, team-oriented fun. The company’s mission is to “enable your employees to make smarter security decisions, every day.” This permeates the internal culture, creating a sense of shared purpose in combating cybercrime. KnowBe4 has leaned heavily into creating a distinct brand identity for employees, often referred to as 'KB4' culture, characterized by the color orange, team events, and an emphasis on celebrating wins.
This positive environment is backed by external validation. KnowBe4 has been certified as a Most Loved Workplace® and has appeared on Newsweek's list of America's Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces multiple times. This certification is based on employee sentiment and analysis of how the company aligns with worker values. The company emphasizes a set of core values it calls its 'KB4-isms': be radically transparent, be accountable, be creatively innovative, be customer-centric, and be fun. The environment is fast-paced, particularly in sales and development, as the company strives to maintain its leadership position in the security awareness training (SAT) market. While the headquarters in Clearwater, Florida, is the cultural hub, the company supports a hybrid model with offices globally, including locations in the UK, Netherlands, Germany, South Africa, and Singapore.
Source: KnowBe4 Careers Source: Newsweek Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces 2023
How does KnowBe4 pay compare?
KnowBe4 positions its compensation competitively to attract and retain talent in the demanding cybersecurity industry. Compensation packages typically consist of a base salary, and for many roles, performance-based bonuses or commissions. Sales roles, in particular, have significant earning potential tied to achieving targets, which is common for the tech industry.
Based on self-reported data, salaries appear to be competitive with, and in some cases above, market rates, especially when considering the company's comprehensive benefits package which significantly increases total compensation. For technical roles, the pay is in line with industry standards for positions outside of the highest-cost tech hubs like Silicon Valley.
| Role | KnowBe4 Estimated Average Salary | National Median (Software Developers) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | ~$121,698 / year | $132,350 / year |
Note: KnowBe4 salary is an estimate from Glassdoor as of June 2024 and varies by experience and location. National median is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023). This is for informational purposes only.
It's important for candidates to evaluate the entire compensation package, including the significant value of the fully paid health insurance, which is a rare and valuable benefit. While the base salary for a software engineer might appear close to the national median, the lack of monthly insurance premium deductions effectively increases take-home pay by several thousand dollars per year compared to the industry standard.
Source: Glassdoor - KnowBe4 Salaries Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Software Developers
What benefits and time-off does KnowBe4 offer?
KnowBe4's benefits package is a cornerstone of its employee value proposition and is consistently rated by employees as a top reason for joining and staying with the company. The highlight is the health insurance offering. KnowBe4 covers 100% of the premiums for its top-tier medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their eligible dependents. This is an exceptionally rare benefit that provides significant financial security and effectively boosts an employee's total compensation by thousands of dollars annually.
Beyond healthcare, the company offers a robust suite of benefits designed to support financial well-being, work-life balance, and professional growth. Key offerings include:
- Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help employees save for the future.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): A flexible PTO policy that employees report as generous, encouraging them to take time off to recharge.
- Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support employees and their growing families.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Programs to support continuing education and professional development, reinforcing the company's value of learning.
- Wellness Programs: Initiatives and resources aimed at supporting the mental and physical health of employees.
- Stock Options: Historically, as a public and now-private company, stock options have been part of the compensation package for many roles, giving employees a stake in the company's success.
These benefits demonstrate a significant investment in employee well-being, going far beyond industry norms in several key areas.
Source: KnowBe4 Careers Benefits Source: Comparably - KnowBe4 Benefits
Culture, leadership, and DEI at KnowBe4
KnowBe4's culture is driven from the top by its founder and CEO, Stu Sjouwerman. He is widely known for championing a leadership principle of "radical transparency." This includes holding weekly company-wide meetings to share financials, strategic updates, and answer any employee question unfiltered. This level of openness is designed to build trust and ensure every employee feels like a valued partner in the business.
The company culture is intentionally designed to be fun and engaging. This is not accidental; it's a strategic effort to foster a positive and collaborative environment where people want to work. The company's main office in Clearwater features amenities like a gym, game rooms, and catered lunches to make the office a desirable destination. This 'work hard, play hard' ethos is balanced by a strong emphasis on results and accountability. The company's own product is about changing human behavior for the better, and this ethos extends to its internal management philosophy, which focuses on clear expectations and continuous feedback.
On the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) front, KnowBe4 operates several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) such as Black Empowerment and Alliance, Women in Tech, and Pride. These groups aim to foster an inclusive environment and provide support networks for employees from various backgrounds. The company actively participates in and sponsors community initiatives, further embedding its commitment to social responsibility and inclusion. The focus is on creating a workplace where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but are seen as critical to innovation and success in the global cybersecurity market.
Source: KnowBe4 DEI Initiatives Source: Stu Sjouwerman on Radical Transparency via Chief Executive
The hiring and interview process at KnowBe4
The hiring process at KnowBe4 is structured to assess not only skills and experience but also cultural fit. Candidates consistently report a multi-step process that is thorough and communicative. While the exact steps vary by role and department, a typical journey for a corporate or technical position includes:
- Initial Application & Screening: A recruiter reviews the application and conducts a brief phone screen to discuss the role and the candidate's background.
- Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth conversation with the hiring manager to dive into specific experiences, skills, and how they relate to the team's needs.
- DISC Assessment: A distinctive step in KnowBe4's process is the use of the DISC personality assessment. This tool is used to understand a candidate's communication style and behavioral patterns. The results are not a pass/fail but are used to facilitate a deeper conversation about how the candidate might integrate with the team and thrive in their role.
- Technical or Practical Assessment: For technical roles, this may involve a coding challenge. For sales or marketing roles, it might be a presentation or a mock scenario. This step is designed to evaluate practical, on-the-job skills.
- Final Interviews: This often involves meeting with team members, a department head, or other key stakeholders. The goal is to ensure mutual fit from both a skills and a team dynamics perspective.
Candidates generally describe the process as professional and well-organized, with recruiters providing regular updates. The inclusion of the DISC assessment signals the company's deep-seated belief that understanding personality and work styles is key to building effective, collaborative teams.
Source: Glassdoor - KnowBe4 Interview Reviews
Career growth and learning at KnowBe4
As a company whose entire business is built on learning and training, KnowBe4 places a strong emphasis on internal career growth and professional development. The company's rapid growth has historically created numerous opportunities for internal mobility. Employees are encouraged to move between departments and take on new challenges, with the company often promoting from within.
92% of employees at Most Loved Workplaces® apply for roles when openings arise, and KnowBe4's culture echoes this by actively supporting internal career progression. Formal programs supporting this growth include a tuition reimbursement policy for employees seeking to further their education externally. Internally, the company provides access to a wealth of resources, including its own security awareness and professional development training modules. This allows employees to continuously upskill not only in their specific domain but also in the broader landscape of business and security.
Mentorship is a key part of the culture, with a flat organizational structure that makes senior leaders accessible. The 'radical transparency' from leadership provides employees with a clear view of the company's direction, enabling them to align their personal growth plans with the company's future needs. This commitment to employee development is a critical factor in the company's high retention rates and its ability to maintain a strong culture even as it scales.
Risks, criticisms, and what to watch
No workplace is without its challenges, and candidates considering KnowBe4 should have a clear, balanced perspective. The most significant event impacting the company's future is its February 2023 acquisition by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners for $4.6 billion. While Stu Sjouwerman has remained CEO and has emphasized a commitment to maintaining the core culture, private equity ownership often brings a heightened focus on financial performance, efficiency, and cost optimization. Candidates should be prepared for potential shifts in strategy, pace, and priorities as the company navigates this new chapter.
Common criticisms found in employee reviews often center on the high-pressure environment, particularly within the sales organization. The 'work hard' side of the 'work hard, play hard' culture can lead to burnout if not managed well. Some reviews also mention challenges with middle management consistency—a common growing pain for rapidly scaling companies.
Finally, while the company's culture is a major selling point, its quirky and high-energy nature may not be a fit for everyone. It's a distinct environment that rewards extroversion and active participation. Prospective employees should honestly assess whether this type of highly social and transparent culture aligns with their personal work style. Asking pointed questions during the interview process about performance expectations, work-life balance in a post-acquisition context, and team dynamics is highly recommended.
Source: KnowBe4 Completes Go-Private Transaction with Vista Equity Partners Source: Glassdoor - KnowBe4 Reviews
Most Loved Workplaces® context
Best Practice Institute certifies companies as Most Loved Workplaces® based on a rigorous analysis of employee sentiment and workplace culture. The data from our network of over 1,800 certified companies and 2.8 million employees shows that loved workplaces see tangible business results. They experience 48% higher employee retention and achieve 4× higher revenue growth than their industry peers. The culture at these companies is often defined by the SPARK framework: 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. Our methodology is grounded in our E-E-A-T framework, prioritizing evidence from primary sources such as company career pages, official press releases, SEC filings, and employee sentiment data from reputable third-party sites. All data is cited to ensure transparency. You can learn more about our process at our /methodology page.
Sources
- KnowBe4 Careers — KnowBe4
- Newsweek Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces 2023 — Newsweek
- Glassdoor - KnowBe4 Salaries — Glassdoor
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Software Developers — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- KnowBe4 Careers Benefits — KnowBe4
- Comparably - KnowBe4 Benefits — Comparably
- KnowBe4 DEI Initiatives — KnowBe4
- Stu Sjouwerman on Radical Transparency via Chief Executive — Chief Executive
- Glassdoor - KnowBe4 Interview Reviews — Glassdoor
- KnowBe4 Completes Go-Private Transaction with Vista Equity Partners — KnowBe4
- Glassdoor - KnowBe4 Reviews — Glassdoor
Quick answers
Researched and edited by Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. See our methodology.