Shlomo Kramer
Shlomo Kramer | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1966 Israel |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, investor |
| Known for | Co-founder of Check Point, Imperva, and Cato Networks |
Shlomo Kramer (; born 1966) is an Israeli entrepreneur and investor specializing in information technology. He played a pivotal role in founding several cybersecurity companies, including Check Point, Imperva, and Cato Networks, a provider of cloud-based network security solutions.
As reported on January 27, 2024, Forbes valued Kramer's fortune at approximately US$2.2 billion, placing him 1412th on the global Billionaires ranking and 17th among Israel's richest individuals.
Personal life
From an early age, Kramer engaged with technology, initially working on mainframe computers and retailing video games. He served in the Israel Defense Forces' prestigious cyber intelligence Unit 8200, renowned for producing leading Israeli tech innovators. Following his military tenure, Kramer obtained a master's degree in Computer Science from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and earned a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Tel Aviv University.
Career
Often referred to as "the godfather of Israeli cybersecurity," Kramer is a prolific entrepreneur and investor within the high-tech sector with an impressive history. His entrepreneurial journey began in high school during the 1980s when he co-founded his first startup alongside Ofer Shemtov, eventually selling it to a software company. In 1993, he co-established Check Point Software with Gil Shwed and Marius Nacht; this firm pioneered the first commercial firewall and emerged as a global leader in internet security, becoming a cornerstone of Israel’s technology industry. Kramer departed Check Point in 1998, leveraging the proceeds from his equity sale to fund and initiate several new ventures.
In 2002, Kramer launched WebCohort—later renamed Imperva in 2004—together with Mickey Boodaei and Amichai Shulman. Imperva transitioned its focus from perimeter security to preventing data breaches by detecting and blocking attacks before they infiltrate organizations. Its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange generated $90 million, with shares appreciating by 33% on the debut day in November 2011. In 2014, Imperva expanded its cloud security capabilities by acquiring Skyfence, a cloud security gateway startup, and increasing its investment in Incapsula.
Driven by his belief in cloud cybersecurity's potential, Kramer founded Cato Networks in 2015 alongside former Imperva associate Gur Shatz. Serving as CEO, he directed Cato Networks to create software that unifies all organizational network components—including branch offices, data centers, and mobile users—into a single encrypted cloud network, thereby removing dependence on physical appliances tied to specific locations for securing data.
Investments
In addition to his role as a co-founder of Check Point, Imperva, and Cato Networks, Kramer has provided investment support to a wide array of firms and emerging ventures, focusing mainly on data protection. His portfolio includes significant stakes in Palo Alto Networks, Exabeam, Trusteer, WatchDox, and LightCyber.