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KnowBe4
KnowBe4 operates a venture capital arm investing in cybersecurity startups, leveraging data from 70,000 customers.
KnowBe4
KnowBe4 is a Clearwater, Florida-based cybersecurity firm that operates a venture investment arm, KnowBe4 Ventures. The company was founded by Stu Sjouwerman and has grown to serve over 70,000 organizations globally, with a platform covering security awareness training, cloud email security, and AI agent defense. The investment strategy focuses on cybersecurity startups that align with KnowBe4's platform. Asset classes include venture-stage equity, strategic partnerships, and technology acquisitions. The firm targets companies in cloud email security, AI-driven threat detection, and identity risk management. Confirmed portfolio areas include email security and AI defense agents, though specific named investments are not publicly detailed. Geographic scope is primarily North America, with additional reach in global markets through customer deployments. KnowBe4 employs over 1,500 professionals across multiple offices, including its Clearwater headquarters and additional locations in Europe and Asia. The firm also operates a philanthropic arm, KnowBe4 Foundation, which focuses on cybersecurity education and workforce development. In May 2026, KnowBe4 announced a partnership with Crawford Technologies to enhance Microsoft 365 email security (per the firm, May 2026). The structural differentiator is KnowBe4's access to proprietary behavioral data from 15 years and 70,000 customers, which it uses to identify and validate investment opportunities. This data-driven approach allows the venture arm to back companies with proven market traction, reducing investment risk compared to traditional cybersecurity VCs.
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
—
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Clearwater
Corporate office
Clearwater, FL, United States
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs the KnowBe4 venture investment arm?
KnowBe4's venture investments are led by the firm's corporate development team. Specific named individuals for KnowBe4 Ventures are not publicly disclosed.
What types of investments does KnowBe4 Ventures make?
KnowBe4 Ventures focuses on cybersecurity startups. Investment types include direct venture capital, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions of technologies that complement KnowBe4's platform — particularly in cloud email security, AI-driven threat detection, and identity risk management.
How does KnowBe4 source proprietary deal flow?
KnowBe4 uses its own platform data from 70,000 customers to identify market gaps and emerging threats. This gives the venture arm a proprietary lens for spotting investment opportunities, rather than relying solely on traditional sourcing.
Is KnowBe4 structured as a family office or corporate venture capital?
KnowBe4 operates as a corporate venture capital arm, not a family office. It is a subsidiary of KnowBe4, the cybersecurity training firm, and invests to support its parent company's strategic goals.
Does KnowBe4 Ventures participate in fund commitments or only direct investments?
KnowBe4 Ventures primarily makes direct investments and strategic acquisitions. There is no public evidence it commits capital to external venture funds.
What investment stages does KnowBe4 target?
KnowBe4 Ventures targets growth-stage and late-stage cybersecurity companies. The firm's portfolio includes companies that have achieved market traction, reflecting its preference for validated rather than early-stage startups.
How does KnowBe4 Ventures relate to the KnowBe4 Foundation?
The KnowBe4 Foundation is a separate philanthropic entity focused on cybersecurity education and workforce development. The venture arm operates independently, investing for strategic and financial returns.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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