Haroldo Jacobovicz Adapts Engineering Skills for Technology Business Development
Brazilian executive Haroldo Jacobovicz exemplifies how technical education can find application in unexpected fields. After completing seven years at Military College and studying civil engineering at the Federal University of Paraná, he channeled his analytical abilities toward information technology when Brazil was in the early stages of digital adoption during the 1980s.
His technical orientation had family precedents—his father Alfredo worked as both an engineer and university professor, while his mother Sarita broke gender barriers as one of the first women civil engineers in Paraná state. Despite these influences, Jacobovicz carved his own path when he perceived opportunities in emerging technology sectors beyond traditional construction fields.
Business instincts surfaced before graduation when Haroldo Jacobovicz collaborated with three technically-oriented classmates to establish Microsystem. The company sought to modernize retail operations through digital inventory management at a time when such practices were still novel in Brazil. After two years, they closed operations upon recognizing that small businesses weren’t yet prepared to embrace computerization—providing an early lesson in market timing that would influence future ventures.
To gain corporate experience, Jacobovicz joined Esso petroleum company, where his analytical skills distinguished him among numerous engineering candidates. Beginning in sales roles, his methodical approach facilitated advancement to market analysis and eventually to commercial strategy development at the company’s Brazilian headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. His responsibilities increasingly involved computer-processed data, strengthening his interest in digital applications.
When economic policy changes under Brazil’s Cruzado Plan affected the fuel industry, coupled with personal considerations about family proximity, Haroldo Jacobovicz transitioned to the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant. As an advisor to the Technical Director, he observed how public sector organizations approached technology implementation differently than private corporations.
After four years in this role, Jacobovicz returned to entrepreneurship with broadened perspectives. He founded Minauro, introducing a computer rental and maintenance service that addressed specific procurement challenges faced by government entities. This approach secured contracts through competitive bids across multiple Brazilian regions.
His technology portfolio expanded through strategic acquisitions of software companies specializing in public administration systems. These moves resulted in the e-Governe Group, which continues providing digital government services to municipalities throughout Brazil today.
In 2010, Haroldo Jacobovicz ventured into telecommunications by establishing Horizons Telecom, developed with input from Renato Guerreiro, the inaugural president of Brazil’s telecommunications regulatory agency. Targeting corporate connectivity needs, the company grew into a recognized market presence over the following decade before being acquired in early 2021.
Following this transaction, Jacobovicz launched Arlequim Technologies in 2021, focusing on virtualization services that enhance computing performance without hardware replacement. This approach addresses both organizational efficiency requirements and broader technology access by extending the productive life of existing equipment.
Throughout these business initiatives, Haroldo Jacobovicz has consistently identified practical applications for technology across different sectors. His professional journey shows how technical training combined with market awareness can generate business opportunities that advance technological capabilities across various segments of the economy.