The business journey of Haroldo Jacobovicz reveals how academic preparation can lead to unexpected professional directions when paired with awareness of emerging technological trends. While his education established skills for civil construction, his career achievements have centered on creating technology solutions that address specific organizational needs.
With family influences in technical fields—his father Alfredo practiced civil engineering while teaching university courses and his mother Sarita broke barriers as one of the earliest female civil engineers in Paraná—Haroldo Jacobovicz received structured education at Military College before pursuing civil engineering studies at the Federal University of Paraná. During this academic period, his attention was drawn to the transformative potential of computer systems in business operations.
Before completing his degree, Haroldo Jacobovicz tested entrepreneurial waters by forming Microsystem with several technically-oriented colleagues. Their business sought to provide retail establishments with computerized inventory and transaction management. The company ceased activities after two years when it became evident that potential clients lacked sufficient readiness for such technologies—an experience that offered valuable perspective on market timing.
This initial venture was followed by employment at Esso (subsequently Exxon Mobil), where Haroldo Jacobovicz progressed through several positions. His responsibilities increasingly involved analyzing computer-processed information for market assessment and commercial planning, confirming his understanding of technology’s organizational value.
When personal circumstances necessitated relocation to Paraná, he accepted a position at the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant as an advisor to the Technical Director. This role provided insights into public sector operations, particularly regarding the administrative complexities surrounding technology acquisition within government entities.
These observations informed his subsequent business, Minauro, which offered computer rental programs with technical support and scheduled equipment updates. This approach specifically addressed government agency requirements by providing technology access without the procedural barriers of permanent asset acquisition. The model proved effective, securing contracts with public institutions across southern Brazil.
His business portfolio expanded through acquiring specialized software development companies, creating the e-Governe Group, which continues providing digital management tools to Brazilian municipalities.
In 2010, Haroldo Jacobovicz established Horizons Telecom, designed to offer connectivity services for corporate clients. The telecommunications operation was developed with input from Renato Guerreiro, who had previously served as the first president of Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency. After building this business for a decade, Haroldo Jacobovicz sold it to investors in 2021.
His most recent venture, Arlequim Technologies, takes a distinctive approach to computing access by enhancing performance of existing hardware through virtualization techniques. This service expands advanced computing capabilities without requiring complete equipment replacement.
Throughout these business developments, Haroldo Jacobovicz has consistently identified operational gaps between available technologies and practical needs. His ventures demonstrate how technical training provides analytical methods applicable across various fields. By recognizing specific challenges and institutional constraints, he has created services that address concrete technology requirements for multiple sectors.