Engineering Background with a Different Focus
Despite his formal training as a civil engineer at the Federal University of Paraná, Haroldo Jacobovicz recognized the revolutionary potential of information technology during the 1980s. While his educational background might have naturally led to a career in construction—particularly given his family connections to the field—Jacobovicz chose to pursue the then-emerging world of computer technology instead.
Family Influences and Breaking Tradition
The family of Haroldo Jacobovicz boasted strong engineering credentials. His father, Alfredo, worked as both a civil engineer and a university professor, while his mother, Sarita, had distinguished herself as the seventh female civil engineer in Paraná. Though the eldest of four siblings might have been expected to follow this established path, Jacobovicz was drawn to unexplored technological territories that promised to transform business operations.
Information Gathering as Business Intelligence
Throughout his professional life, Haroldo Jacobovicz has maintained a practice of extensive reading, particularly newspapers and magazines. This habit has provided him with broad awareness of global developments and emerging trends—information that serves as the foundation for business ideas he later implements. This intellectual curiosity and constant information gathering represent a key aspect of his success.
Early Market Testing
The entrepreneurial journey of Haroldo Jacobovicz began before he even completed his university studies. Gathering three friends with computer expertise, he established Microsystem—a venture aimed at automating inventory control and cash register operations for retail businesses. Though the company closed after two years because the market wasn’t yet ready for computerization, this experience provided valuable lessons about timing and market readiness that would guide his future business decisions.
Corporate Experience Development
Following this initial venture, Haroldo Jacobovicz joined Esso (now Exxon Mobil Corporation), where he distinguished himself among more than 200 engineers during the selection process. His capabilities quickly propelled him through the company ranks—from reserve salesman to market analyst for the South region and eventually to a position handling commercial tactics and new business at the Brazilian headquarters. This period provided crucial experience in how large
organizations could leverage data processing for business advantage.
Public Sector Perspective
When economic conditions and personal considerations prompted a career shift, Haroldo Jacobovicz returned to Paraná to join the prestigious Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant project as an advisor to the Technical Director. This position offered unique insights into the public sector’s approach to technology adoption, particularly the bureaucratic challenges associated with classifying computers as permanent assets—a key understanding that would later inform his business solutions.
Innovative Business Model
After four years in the public sector, Haroldo Jacobovicz returned to entrepreneurship with a refined vision. He established Minauro, offering an innovative solution to public agencies: computer rental and maintenance with four-year contracts that included equipment replacement every 18 months. This approach directly addressed the bureaucratic hurdles he had observed at Itaipu and proved highly successful, winning bids across Brazil’s South and Southeast regions.
Strategic Expansion
The business acumen of Haroldo Jacobovicz led him to expand beyond hardware into software solutions. Through strategic acquisitions of companies like Consult, Perform, and Sisteplan, he incorporated specialized software for tax, financial, administrative, health, and education management. This expansion resulted in the formation of the e-Governe Group, which continues to serve Brazilian municipalities with comprehensive IT solutions for public administration.
Telecommunications Market Entry
In 2010, recognizing opportunities in the corporate market, Haroldo Jacobovicz founded Horizons Telecom. Built from scratch with premium technical, human, and strategic resources, and based on a project originally conceived by Renato Guerreiro (the first president of Anatel), the company quickly established itself as a reference in the corporate telecommunications niche. Within just a decade, it achieved such success that it was acquired by a major investment group in early 2021.
Latest Innovation
Following his telecommunications exit, Haroldo Jacobovicz launched Arlequim Technologies in 2021. This startup focuses on computer virtualization, offering solutions that enhance the performance of existing equipment to match state-of-the-art machines without requiring new hardware purchases. The service targets corporate, public sector, and retail markets—particularly gamers—providing cost-effective alternatives to equipment replacement.
Throughout his career, Haroldo Jacobovicz has consistently demonstrated the ability to identify technological opportunities before they become mainstream and to translate these insights into practical business solutions that create value for organizations and individuals.
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