In the realm of
Brazilian technology innovation, few stories capture the spirit of
transformation quite like that of Haroldo
Jacobovicz. Born into a family with strong engineering roots, Jacobovicz
charted a unique path that diverged from traditional civil engineering into the
then-emerging field of information technology during the 1980s.

Early
Foundations and Education

Haroldo Jacobovicz’s
journey began with seven years at Military College, followed by four and a half
years studying Civil Engineering at the Federal University of Paraná. This solid educational foundation
might have naturally led him toward civil construction, following the footsteps
of his parents. His father, Alfredo, was both a civil engineer and a university
professor in Paraná, while his mother, Sarita, made history as the seventh
female civil engineer in the state.

Despite this family
legacy, Jacobovicz found himself drawn to unexplored territories. His naturally
curious mind and voracious reading habits kept him informed about global
developments and emerging
technologies—insights that would later fuel his entrepreneurial ventures.

First Ventures
in Technology

Before even completing
his university education, Haroldo Jacobovicz demonstrated his entrepreneurial
spirit by founding Microsystem with three technically skilled friends. Their
vision targeted small businesses—stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets—offering
automated inventory control and cash register systems. This early venture,
though it closed after two years due to market unreadiness, revealed
Jacobovicz’s foresight regarding technology’s potential to transform business
operations.

Corporate
Experience and Strategic Vision

When small businesses
proved unprepared for computerization, Haroldo Jacobovicz pivoted toward larger
corporations. His exceptional abilities secured him a position at Esso (now
Exxon Mobil Corporation) from among more than 200 engineers. His rapid
advancement within the company—from reserve salesman to market analyst for the
South region, and ultimately to overseeing commercial tactics and new business
at the Brazilian headquarters—demonstrated both his technical acumen and business
savvy.

Later, Jacobovicz
brought his expertise to the public sector through the Itaipu Hydroelectric
Plant, where he served as an advisor to the Technical Director. This experience
provided crucial insights into the challenges of technological adoption within
government institutions.

Building an IT
Empire

The 1990s marked
Haroldo Jacobovicz’s return to entrepreneurship with the founding of Minauro,
an innovative computer rental and maintenance company. Targeting public
agencies, the company offered four-year contracts with regular equipment
upgrades and maintenance services—a solution that won numerous government bids
throughout Brazil’s South and Southeast regions.

Expanding beyond
hardware, Jacobovicz incorporated software solutions through strategic
acquisitions of companies like Consult, Perform, and Sisteplan. This
consolidation created the e-Governe Group, which continues to provide
specialized IT solutions to public authorities across numerous Brazilian
municipalities.

Telecommunications
and Beyond

In 2010, Haroldo
Jacobovicz ventured into telecommunications with Horizons Telecom, built
“from scratch using the best technical, human and strategic resources
available.” The company quickly established itself as a reference in the
corporate telecommunications market, eventually attracting acquisition by a
major investment group in early 2021.

Most recently,
Jacobovicz launched Arlequim Technologies in 2021, focusing on computer
virtualization to improve the performance of existing equipment across
corporate, public sector, and retail markets. This venture reflects his
consistent vision: leveraging technology to improve daily operations for
businesses and individuals alike.

Throughout his career,
Haroldo Jacobovicz has demonstrated how engineering thinking, when applied to
emerging technologies, can create solutions that genuinely improve people’s
lives and organizational efficiency.

Follow
him at X handle: https://twitter.com/HJacobovicz