AlbionVC reposted this
I’m delighted that the acquisition of Egress Software Technologies by KnowBe4 has now closed! As you can imagine, this huge milestone has been an opportunity for reflection and I wanted to share a few personal highlights. A leap of faith When a founder makes that life-changing decision to start something new, it’s more hope than expectation that you’ll make it work. Looking back at our product launch in 2009, as well as the Christmas parties and events that followed, I find myself staring intensely at the photos trying to remember what was going through my mind at that time. I don’t recall being scared by the risks we were taking; it felt like an adventure. What I know now is this; as a first-time founder CEO, I didn’t truly appreciate the time it would take to build and scale a global business… Raising capital and expanding into new markets We first raised outside capital in 2014 with AlbionVC. We were only 30 people and super niche but Ed Lascelles believed in us, which became a pivotal moment in our history. Together, we started building out the team, adding Malcolm Locke as CFO in 2014 and Martin Hiscox as Chairman in 2017. I couldn’t imagine how things would have played without these two. By December 2018, we’d added David Quantrell to the Board and completed our Series C round, led by Kyle Griswold and Richard Liu at FTV Capital, with participation from Albion. I’m incredibly grateful to Vishal Marria, who introduced me to FTV Capital, opening the door to an amazing six-year partnership. What I’m most proud of Without hesitation – our team. It’s given me tremendous pleasure to see so many people flourish personally and professionally. It’s the greatest feeling in the world to have played a small part in helping such incredible talent realize their true potential. There are too many to thank in this post, but it’s important you know how humbled I am by your loyalty, sacrifices, and relentless commitment over the years. You will always have a very special place in my heart! Special thanks A founder’s journey is unique (to put it mildly!). Your life and soul goes into the business; it becomes your absolute identity. I was lucky to go on that journey with John Goodyear and Neil Larkins. We grew up together, started our own families at Egress, and sadly lost loved ones along the way. In truth, nothing can prepare you for the journey, but sharing those highs and lows creates an unbreakable bond for which I’m eternally grateful. Looking to the future As Dr Seuss wrote: ‘Don’t cry that it’s over, smile that it happened.’ While our adventure as an independent company is over, I’m delighted that #TeamEgress is part of the KnowBe4 family. I want to particularly thank Stu Sjouwerman, Greg Kras, and the KnowBe4 leadership team, as well as the amazing folks at Vista Equity Partners, namely Rod Aliabadi and Alan Glass. We’re all so excited about the opportunity ahead to create something truly special– and we plan to grasp it with both hands!
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A leap of faith is only a leap if youre not confident and capable and you fail to surround yourself with people who you can trust and depend on. People like you Tony and Neil and hence they follow you. And you have built an incredible team ! Leadership is all about respect, honesty and delivering what you promise. Over my time as Chair you have certainly delivered all these characteristics! Hence yours and Egress’ success. So whilst a ‘leap of faith’ is sometimes a ‘leap’ it more a bet on your capabilities and personalities - both of which you have in abundance!!
You have said it beautifully Tony Pepper, not much more i can add than what an incredible journey it has been. I am so super proud of what the team have built and the experiences i have gained! We have made life long friendships and worked with incredible talent to build world leading technology. As one chapter close I am hugely excited about the next chapter and what i can learn and deliver in the KnowBe4 world. Thanks to the huge list of supporting cast #legends Egress, a KnowBe4 company
Congrats team Egress, a KnowBe4 company and special well done to Tony Pepper for his leadership and courage. Stay well my friend.
A huge congratulations, I remember those early days and have admired from afar what you have achieved as team. It was a pleasure to see you at the infosec show recently and reminisce about old times (don’t mention the Golf 🤣🤣) Excited to see the next chapter of this partnership.
Congrats Tony - wonderful job! Epic journey and great result for you and the team.
It's been a privilege watching your journey from acorn to oak.
Tony -- we are so thrilled to have you and the Egress team join KnowBe4! Congratulations on the incredible platform and business that you have built -- and we're all excited for the next chapter! And great pictures! Love to see some of the history and milestones that got you and Egress to this point.
Amazing to see what you've achieved Tony Pepper and how you, Neil Larkins, Kelly McCann, Darren Cooper and Robin Bell have all developed and grown over all the years I have known you all to make the business so great while retaining the human factor 😀
Congratulations Tony. What a journey and I love the Dr Seuss quote about it all. Your smile should indeed be wide and proud for such an amazing accomplishment. Legend. See you soon for celebratory beers. Cheers Ali........
CEO at KnowBe4. (A Vista Equity Company)
3moI'm thrilled to announce that Egress is now officially part of the KnowBe4 family! First and foremost, a warm welcome to all our new Knowsters joining us from Egress. Your expertise and innovative spirit are incredible additions to our team, and I can't wait to see what we'll achieve together. A special shout-out goes to @Tony Pepper, Egress's co-founder and CEO. Tony, as a fellow entrepreneur, I deeply appreciate the journey you've been on in building Egress. Your vision and leadership have been instrumental in creating a company that aligns so perfectly with our mission. Welcome aboard! This union is a fusion of two powerhouses in the cybersecurity world. Together, KnowBe4 and Egress create the largest AI-Driven Human Risk Management Platform in the industry. We're combining our strengths to offer unparalleled solutions that address the most critical aspect of security - the human element. Here's to new beginnings, shared successes, and a future where we continue to lead the charge in making the digital world a safer place for everyone. #Cybersecurity #AIinSecurity #HumanRiskManagement #KnowBe4 #Egress #NewBeginnings #EmailSecurity #SecOps #CISO