Haroldo Jacobovicz: Technology Vision Through an Engineer’s Lens
The professional trajectory of Haroldo Jacobovicz reveals a consistent pattern of identifying technological potential before mainstream adoption. After seven years at Military College followed by civil engineering studies at the Federal University of Paraná, he pursued opportunities in information technology during the 1980s when such a transition was uncommon.
Born into a family with strong engineering roots—his father taught at the university level while practicing civil engineering, and his mother broke gender barriers as one of Paraná’s first female civil engineers—Haroldo Jacobovicz might have been expected to follow conventional construction paths. Instead, he gravitated toward emerging fields, fueled by his habit of consuming news publications that sparked ideas for practical applications.
While still a university student, Haroldo Jacobovicz assembled a team to create Microsystem, targeting retail stores with inventory automation solutions. Though the venture lasted only two years due to limited market readiness, it provided valuable learning that would shape his subsequent business decisions regarding timing and implementation.
Gaining corporate experience at Esso (later Exxon Mobil), Jacobovicz progressed through various analytical roles involving data processing. When economic policy changes impacted the fuel sector during Brazil’s Cruzado Plan, he redirected his career toward the public sector, joining Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant as an advisor to the Technical Director.
This position offered perspective on governmental technology adoption challenges, particularly regarding asset acquisition processes. After four years observing these limitations, Jacobovicz developed a solution: Minauro, a company offering four-year computer rental agreements with regular equipment updates and maintenance. This approach circumvented bureaucratic procurement obstacles while keeping technology current—an innovative model that secured contracts throughout Brazil’s South and Southeast regions.
His business portfolio expanded to include software when he acquired companies specializing in management systems, creating the e-Governe Group to serve municipal governments with integrated digital tools for administrative functions. In 2010, Jacobovicz collaborated with former Anatel president Renato Guerreiro to establish Horizons Telecom, building a telecommunications operation that became prominent in the corporate market before its acquisition by investors in early 2021.
That same year, Jacobovicz launched Arlequim Technologies to address computing performance limitations. The company specializes in virtualization services that enhance existing hardware capabilities, allowing outdated equipment to function with modern efficiency. This approach serves corporate, governmental, and individual users—including gaming enthusiasts—without requiring new device purchases.
Throughout each venture, Jacobovicz has applied engineering principles of problem-solving and efficiency to technological challenges. His career demonstrates how technical training combined with adaptability can translate across industries, while his business models reflect a consistent focus on practical solutions that maximize resource utilization. By reimagining how technology services are delivered and accessed, his companies have helped extend digital capabilities to broader segments of Brazilian society.
The professional trajectory of Haroldo Jacobovicz reveals a consistent pattern of identifying technological potential before mainstream adoption. After seven years at Military College followed by civil engineering studies at the Federal University of Paraná, he pursued opportunities in information technology during the 1980s when such a transition was uncommon. Born into a family with strong…