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Israel, a nation known for its vibrant innovation ecosystem and dynamic economic landscape, boasts a cadre of influential individuals who have significantly shaped its financial panorama. At the forefront of this economic powerhouse are figures like Eyal Ofer, Idan Ofer, Dmitry Bukhman, Igor Bukhman, and Yuri Borisovich Milner. Together, these individuals exemplify the multifaceted nature of Israel’s economic success, blending technology, industry, and innovation.
List of the Wealthiest People in Israel
Eyal Ofer, an Israeli-born billionaire based in Monaco, is a prominent figure in real estate, energy, technology, and shipping. Serving as the chairman of Ofer Global, Zodiac Group, and Global Holdings, he has diversified investments in shipping, real estate, technology, banking, and energy. Eyal and his brother, Idan, heirs of shipping magnate Sammy Ofer, divided their father’s assets upon his passing in 2011. Eyal has significantly expanded their holdings, with Zodiac Group now overseeing nearly 190 ships. His extensive real estate portfolio includes prominent properties such as 15 Central Park West, 1250 Broadway, and 50 United Nations Plaza in Manhattan. Additionally, Eyal Ofer holds assets in the VC tech fund O.G. Venture Partners, and O.G. Energy, and stakes in public companies like Mizrahi Tefahot Bank and Royal Caribbean Cruises.
Idan Ofer, an Israeli billionaire and philanthropist, holds diverse interests in shipping, energy, mining, and sports. As the founder of Eastern Pacific Shipping and principal of the Quantum Pacific Group, he inherited the legacy of his father, shipping magnate Sammy Ofer, once Israel’s wealthiest man. Ofer’s Eastern Pacific Shipping manages a fleet of 210 ships, and he holds stakes in XT Shipping and Ace Tankers. Additionally, he owns a 51% share in Israel Corp., a conglomerate in chemicals, energy, and shipping. Controlling Kenon Holdings, a spin-off from Israel Corp., Idan also holds a 32% stake in Atletico de Madrid and an 85% stake in FC Famalicao, both prominent football clubs.
Dmitry Bukhman, a Russian-born Israeli entrepreneur, co-founded the online gaming company Playrix alongside his brother Igor Bukhman. Renowned for mobile-app games like Homescapes and Fishdom, the brothers, originally from Vologda in the Soviet Union, initiated their journey selling games online during Dmitry’s high school years in northern Russia. Playrix, currently generating over $2.5 billion in estimated annual revenue, made headlines in 2018 with the Bukhman brothers acquiring a stake in Nexters Global, a developer of video and social network games. In 2022, Playrix closed its Russian office, relocating nearly all of its 1,500 Russian employees.
Igor Bukhman, along with his brother Dmitry, is the owner of the emerging online gaming company, Playrix, renowned for popular free mobile app games like Homescapes and Fishdom. Hailing from Northern Russia, the brothers commenced their online game sales during Dmitry’s high school years. Presently, Playrix boasts an estimated annual revenue surpassing $2.5 billion. In 2018, the Bukhman brothers secured a stake in the video and social network games developer, Nexters Global. Playrix, having closed its Russian office in 2022, relocated almost all of its 1,500 Russian employees. Igor Bukhman achieved recognition in Forbes’ ranking of the world’s richest entrepreneurs in 2020 with a fortune of $3.1 billion. In April 2023, Forbes estimated Bukhman’s wealth at $7 billion, ranking him 332nd globally and 6th among the wealthiest Israelis. The Bukhmans initiated the Rix Capital family fund in October 2021, managing $4 billion of their funds. In 2023, the investment company opened a permanent office in London. Igor Bukhman is ranked 23rd in the Russian Billionaires ranking and 332nd in the World’s Billionaires ranking in 2023, boasting a net worth of $6.9 billion.
Yuri Borisovich Milner, a Soviet-born Israeli entrepreneur, investor, physicist, and scientist, co-founded and served as the former chairperson of the internet company Mail.Ru Group. Additionally, he established the investment firm DST Global, which has investments in major ventures such as Byju’s, Facebook, and Wish. As an early supporter of Facebook and Twitter, Milner later divested those stakes and redirected investments into Spotify and Airbnb. Notably, he made significant bets on Chinese tech giants like Alibaba, JD.Com, and Xiaomi. In August 2022, Milner renounced his Russian citizenship.