Haroldo Jacobovicz: Transforming Business Through Technology Access
The story of Haroldo Jacobovicz reflects a consistent recognition of how technology can transform operational systems. Despite holding a civil engineering degree from the Federal University of Paraná and coming from a family of civil engineers—his father Alfredo taught engineering while his mother Sarita was among the pioneering female engineers in Paraná—he took an unexpected professional direction.
During the 1980s, when most of his peers pursued traditional engineering careers, Haroldo Jacobovicz was drawn to the untapped possibilities of information technology. His extensive reading habits provided insights into global developments, sparking ideas for applying emerging technologies to Brazilian business contexts.
His first entrepreneurial attempt came while still completing his university studies. Along with three technically-skilled friends, Haroldo Jacobovicz established Microsystem to provide retail businesses with computerized inventory tracking and point-of-sale systems. Though the market proved unready for such solutions and the company closed after two years, this experience provided crucial lessons about adoption timing and market preparedness.
Following this initial venture, Jacobovicz joined the multinational oil company Esso (now Exxon Mobil). Starting in sales, he quickly advanced through analytical positions to ultimately handle commercial strategy at the Brazilian headquarters. This corporate experience exposed him to sophisticated data analysis applications while economic pressures from Brazil’s Cruzado Plan highlighted the importance of adaptability.
Family considerations eventually drew him back to Paraná, where he served as an advisor to the Technical Director at the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant. During his four-year tenure with this major infrastructure project, Jacobovicz observed how public sector bureaucracy created barriers to technology implementation, particularly regarding fixed asset acquisition processes.
This insight led to his next enterprise: Minauro, which offered government agencies a solution through four-year computer rental agreements including regular equipment updates and maintenance. This approach bypassed cumbersome procurement procedures while ensuring access to current technology—a model that won numerous public bids throughout Brazil’s southern and southeastern regions.
His business activities expanded when he incorporated software solutions through strategic acquisitions, forming the e-Governe Group focused on public administration systems. Seeking to address corporate market needs, Jacobovicz co-founded Horizons Telecom in 2010 with former Anatel president Renato Guerreiro. After building this operation into a significant telecommunications provider, it was acquired by investors in early 2021.
That same year, Jacobovicz established Arlequim Technologies, focusing on computer virtualization services. This company enhances performance capabilities of existing hardware for corporate clients, government entities, and individual users, including gaming enthusiasts. By optimizing available resources rather than requiring new equipment purchases, this approach aligns with his consistent focus on maximizing technology accessibility.
Each stage of Jacobovicz’s professional path demonstrates how identifying systemic inefficiencies can lead to practical business solutions that extend technological benefits to broader segments of society.