# Nir Barkat

> Minister of Economy of Israel since 2024

**Wikidata**: [Q468394](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q468394)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nir_Barkat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nir-barkat

## Summary
Nir Barkat is an Israeli politician and entrepreneur who has served as the Minister of Economy of Israel since 2024. Born on October 19, 1959, he is best known for his roles as Mayor of Jerusalem (2008–2018) and founder of the cybersecurity firm BRM, which invested in companies like Check Point. His career spans technology entrepreneurship and public service, significantly impacting Israel’s economic and technological landscape.

## Biography
- **Born**: October 19, 1959  
- **Nationality**: Israeli  
- **Education**: Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Economics)  
- **Known for**: Founding BRM, serving as Mayor of Jerusalem, and driving economic policy as Minister of Economy  
- **Employer(s)**: Israeli government, BRM, Israel Defense Forces (IDF)  
- **Field(s)**: Technology, politics, economics  

## Contributions
- **Founded BRM (1988)**: A cybersecurity and software company that invested in Check Point, a global leader in network security.  
- **Served as Mayor of Jerusalem (2008–2018)**: Focused on economic development, tourism growth, and infrastructure projects.  
- **Minister of Economy (2024–present)**: Oversees national economic strategy, innovation initiatives, and regulatory reforms.  
- **IDF Service**: Served in the Israel Defense Forces, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel.  

## FAQs
**What is Nir Barkat’s background?**  
Nir Barkat is a technology entrepreneur and politician who transitioned from founding cybersecurity companies to leading Jerusalem as mayor and later shaping national economic policy.  

**What companies has Nir Barkat founded or invested in?**  
He founded BRM in 1988, which invested in Check Point, a pioneering cybersecurity firm.  

**What political offices has Nir Barkat held?**  
He served as Mayor of Jerusalem from 2008 to 2018 and became Minister of Economy in 2024.  

**How has Nir Barkat influenced Israel’s economy?**  
As Minister of Economy, he promotes innovation and regulatory reforms. As mayor, he boosted Jerusalem’s tourism and infrastructure, and as an entrepreneur, he contributed to Israel’s “Startup Nation” reputation.  

## Why They Matter
Nir Barkat’s dual career as a tech entrepreneur and public servant has uniquely positioned him to shape Israel’s economic and technological trajectory. His leadership in cybersecurity through BRM and Check Point bolstered Israel’s global tech standing, while his political roles focused on fostering innovation and growth. His policies as Minister of Economy aim to sustain Israel’s competitive edge, ensuring long-term impacts on industry and employment.

## Notable For
- **Founding BRM and investing in Check Point**: Key to Israel’s cybersecurity sector growth.  
- **Jerusalem’s economic revitalization**: As mayor, he increased tourism revenue and advanced infrastructure projects.  
- **Military and public service**: IDF veteran and advocate for veteran integration into the tech workforce.  
- **Pro-innovation governance**: Champions deregulation and tech-driven economic policies.  

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Nir Barkat was born on October 19, 1959, in Israel. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Economics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, laying the foundation for his tech career.

### Entrepreneurial Career
- **BRM (1988)**: Barkat co-founded BRM, which became a cornerstone of Israel’s tech industry. The company’s investment in Check Point, a global cybersecurity leader, solidified his reputation as a visionary entrepreneur.  
- **Check Point (1993)**: BRM’s early investment in Check Point helped the company become a dominant force in network security, contributing to Israel’s “Startup Nation” image.  

### Political Career
- **Mayor of Jerusalem (2008–2018)**: Barkat prioritized economic development, attracting tech companies to the city and boosting tourism. His tenure saw infrastructure upgrades, including the expansion of the Jerusalem Light Rail.  
- **Minister of Economy (2024–present)**: In this role, he focuses on reducing bureaucratic barriers, promoting innovation, and strengthening ties between industry and academia.  

### Military Service
Barkat served in the IDF, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. His military background influenced his advocacy for veteran employment in tech and defense sectors.

### Legacy and Influence
Barkat’s blend of entrepreneurial and political experience has made him a key figure in Israel’s economic strategy. His work in cybersecurity and governance underscores his commitment to leveraging technology for national growth, ensuring his policies and investments continue to shape Israel’s global standing.

## References

1. [The Knesset](https://main.knesset.gov.il/mk/Pages/MKPersonalDetails.aspx?MKID=974)
2. [The Knesset](https://main.knesset.gov.il/mk/Pages/MKPositions.aspx?MKID=974)
3. [The Knesset](https://main.knesset.gov.il/mk/Apps/mk/mk-positions/974)
4. [Source](https://www.facebook.com/nir.barkat/videos/770384769734146/)
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Munzinger Personen
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013