The path from
traditional engineering to technology entrepreneurship requires vision and
adaptability. For Haroldo Jacobovicz, this transition has defined a career
spanning over three decades of innovation in Brazil’s evolving technology
landscape.

Educational
Foundations

Despite being born
into a family with strong ties to civil engineering—his father Alfredo was an
engineer and professor, while his mother Sarita was among the first female
civil engineers in Paraná—Haroldo Jacobovicz charted his own course. After
completing seven years at Military College and four and a half years studying Civil
Engineering at the Federal University of Paraná, he recognized emerging
opportunities in information technology during the early 1980s.

This pivot from
traditional construction to emerging technology reflected Haroldo Jacobovicz’s
natural curiosity and forward-thinking perspective. As an avid consumer of
newspapers and magazines, he developed awareness of global trends that informed
his professional decisions.

First
Entrepreneurial Steps

Before graduation,
Haroldo Jacobovicz partnered with three computer-skilled friends to establish
Microsystem. The company aimed 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
yet ready for such computerization—it demonstrated his early recognition of
technology’s potential to transform business operations.

Building
Corporate Experience

When his initial
entrepreneurial efforts proved premature, Haroldo Jacobovicz adapted by joining
Esso (now Exxon Mobil), where he distinguished himself from more than 200
engineers during the selection process. His career there progressed rapidly
from reserve salesman to market analyst for the South region, ultimately
advancing to handling commercial tactics and new business at the Brazilian
headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.

The implementation of
the Cruzado Plan’s price freeze on fuel, combined with distance from his
family, prompted Haroldo Jacobovicz to reassess his career path. He
transitioned to the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant as an advisor to the Technical
Director, returning to Paraná. This position provided insights into technology adoption
challenges within the public sector, particularly regarding bureaucratic
requirements for asset immobilization.

Entrepreneurial
Revival

After four years at
Itaipu, Haroldo Jacobovicz returned to entrepreneurship with enhanced
perspective from both multinational and state-owned operations. He established
Minauro, offering an innovative solution for public agencies: computer rental
and maintenance with four-year contracts, equipment replacement every 18
months, and included maintenance services.

This approach
addressed public sector constraints while providing access to current
technology. The successful model expanded when Haroldo Jacobovicz incorporated
software solutions through acquiring Consult, Perform, and Sisteplan, forming
the e-Governe Group—now a national reference for IT solutions serving Brazilian
municipalities.

Expansion
into Telecommunications

In 2010, Haroldo
Jacobovicz ventured into telecommunications by founding Horizons Telecom. Built
from scratch with premium technical, human, and strategic resources, and
conceptualized with electrical engineer Renato Guerreiro (Anatel’s first
president), the company became a corporate niche reference within a decade
before being acquired by a major investment group in early 2021.

Current
Focus: Computer Virtualization

Following the
telecommunications success, Haroldo Jacobovicz launched Arlequim Technologies
in 2021. This startup focuses on improving computing performance for existing
equipment across corporate, public sector, and retail markets—particularly
benefiting gamers. The service enables outdated computers to perform comparably
to state-of-the-art equipment without requiring new device purchases.

Throughout these
ventures, Haroldo Jacobovicz has maintained his core mission: transforming
ideas into practical solutions that improve management, productivity, and
development, ultimately contributing to positive change through technology
application.