Haroldo Jacobovicz: The Engineer Who Saw Technology’ Future
Haroldo Jacobovicz represents a unique story in Brazil’s technology sector. With roots in civil engineering and military education, his career path diverged from traditional construction into the then-emerging field of information technology.
From Engineering to Technology Visionary
Despite his parents’ background in civil engineering—his father Alfredo was an engineer and professor, while his mother Sarita was among Paraná’s first female civil engineers—Haroldo Jacobovicz chose to explore uncharted territory. After completing seven years at Military College and four and a half years studying Civil Engineering at the Federal University of Paraná, he recognized the transformative potential of information technology in the 1980s.
Early Entrepreneurial Ventures
Haroldo Jacobovicz’s first business attempt came before graduation. Together with three computer-skilled friends, he established Microsystem, a company designed to automate inventory control and cash registers for small businesses like pharmacies and supermarkets. Though the venture closed after two years—the market wasn’t ready for such computerization—it demonstrated his forward-thinking approach.
Corporate Experience Building Foundations
When small businesses proved unprepared for his technological vision, Haroldo Jacobovicz pivoted to larger corporations. His talents earned him a position at Esso (now Exxon Mobil Corporation), where he rose quickly through the ranks. Starting as a reserve salesman, he advanced to market analyst for the South region and eventually reached a position handling commercial tactics and new business at the Brazilian headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.
Later, Haroldo Jacobovicz joined the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant project as an advisor to the Technical Director. These experiences in both multinational and state-owned companies provided crucial insights into how technology was being adopted across different sectors.
Returning to Entrepreneurship
Armed with valuable experience from both private and public sectors, Haroldo Jacobovicz returned to entrepreneurship with a refined vision. He founded Minauro, offering an innovative solution to public agencies: computer rental and maintenance with four-year contracts, machine replacement every 18 months, and included maintenance services.
The company expanded to incorporate software solutions through acquiring Consult, Perform, and Sisteplan, creating the e-Governe Group—a national reference for IT solutions serving public authorities that continues operating in numerous Brazilian municipalities today.
Telecommunications and Beyond
In 2010, Haroldo Jacobovicz established Horizons Telecom from the ground up, utilizing top technical, human, and strategic resources. The original project, conceived by electrical engineer Renato Guerreiro (Anatel’s first president), grew into a reference in the corporate telecommunications niche within a decade before being acquired by a major investment group in early 2021.
Following this success, Haroldo Jacobovicz created Arlequim Technologies, focusing on improving computing performance for previously limited equipment across corporate, public sector, and retail markets. This service enables outdated computers to perform comparably to state-of-the-art equipment without requiring new device purchases.
Throughout his career, Haroldo Jacobovicz has maintained his vision of transforming ideas into solutions that enhance management, productivity, and development—contributing to a better world through technology.