In this paper, a finite impulse response (FIR) equalizer for nonlinear discretetime channels is designed by employing a hybrid genetic algorithm (GA) and linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach from an H ∞ perspective. The GA technique is utilized to linearize the nonlinear channel model, and the approximate error can be viewed as a state uncertainty. Then, the design of the FIR equalizer is transformed into LMIs, and the coefficients of the FIR equalizer can be obtained by solving an LMI optimization problem. Finally, numerical examples are included to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.