Nir Barkat was born in Israel in 1959, he was raised in Jerusalem. He completed his service in the IDF with the rank of Major. Nir received his Bachelor's degree in computer science (BSC), and completed extensive studies towards an MA in business administration at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

In 1988, Nir Barkat founded the BRM Group, one of the first entities worldwide to develop anti-virus software. BRM later became a technological incubator, investing in companies such as BackWeb and Checkpoint Software. Nir served as chairman of Checkpoint for its first four years.

At the beginning of 2000, Nir was a founding partner of BRM Capital, a $150 million Venture Capital Fund which focuses on software and communication infrastructures, specializing in investments in Israeli related companies and helping them become global leaders in their field.

Prior to his decision to dedicate himself to the city of Jerusalem full time, Nir became involved in the promotion and introduction of innovative educational and community focused projects such as "Snunit", an organization advancing the use of computers within the Jerusalem elementary school system; the creation of the Holistic Project - the new local leadership and community program development in Jerusalem neighborhoods and Israel Venture Network (IVN), which was founded in the spring of 2001 by a group of American and Israeli high tech magnates to further a pluralistic and harmonious society in Israel through the deployment of innovative and venture-based strategies.  

In January 2003, Nir participated in the Jerusalem municipal elections for Mayor. Currently, Nir is serving as a full-time Jerusalem municipal council member, and involved with numerous entrepreneurial projects in the city.

Nir is the Founder and Vice Chairman of the StartUp Jerusalem, a non-profit helping to foster investment and job growth in Jerusalem with the aim of contributing to the revitalization of Jerusalem. He is the founder of the "New Spirit", a non profit helping to promote students in Jerusalem.

Nir Barkat is a Member of the Board since June 2006.