The trajectory of
Brazilian technology sectors often reflects the vision of key entrepreneurs who
shape industry development. Among these figures, Haroldo Jacobovicz has played
a significant role in both information technology and telecommunications
through strategic
ventures spanning four decades.
Engineering
Background Meets Technological Foresight
Born into a family of
civil engineers—his father Alfredo was an engineer and professor, while his
mother Sarita was among Paraná’s earliest female civil engineers—Haroldo
Jacobovicz received traditional training through seven years at Military
College followed by civil engineering studies at the Federal University of
Paraná. However, his professional interests veered toward the nascent field of
information technology during the 1980s.
This deviation from
his family’s construction focus reflected Haroldo Jacobovicz’s ability to
identify emerging opportunities. As a dedicated reader of newspapers and
magazines, he cultivated awareness of global developments that
informed his business decisions.
Early
Entrepreneurial Lessons
Before completing his
engineering degree, Haroldo Jacobovicz and three computer-skilled friends
established Microsystem, aiming to automate inventory control and cash
registers for small retailers. The venture closed after two years when it
became apparent that the market wasn’t prepared for such computerization—a
valuable lesson about timing technological introductions.
Corporate
Training Grounds
Following this
experience, Haroldo Jacobovicz joined Esso (now Exxon Mobil), where he
distinguished himself among more than 200 engineers during the selection
process. His role evolved 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.
When economic
pressures from the Cruzado Plan affected the fuel industry, combined with
distance from family, Haroldo Jacobovicz transitioned to the Itaipu
Hydroelectric Plant as an advisor to the Technical Director. There, he observed
the challenges of technology adoption within public sector bureaucracy,
particularly regarding asset immobilization requirements.
Successful
Return to Entrepreneurship
Armed with insights
from both multinational and state-owned operations, Haroldo Jacobovicz founded
Minauro after four years at Itaipu. The company offered 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 bureaucratic constraints while providing technological
access.
The business expanded
through acquiring software companies Consult, Perform, and Sisteplan, creating
the e-Governe Group—now a national reference for public administration IT
solutions operating across numerous Brazilian municipalities.
Telecommunications
Venture
In 2010, Haroldo Jacobovicz
established Horizons Telecom, building from scratch with premium technical,
human, and strategic resources. Conceptualized with electrical engineer Renato
Guerreiro (Anatel’s first president), the company became a corporate telecommunications
reference within a decade before being acquired by a major investment group in
early 2021.
Latest
Innovation: Computer Virtualization
Following the
telecommunications venture, Haroldo Jacobovicz launched Arlequim Technologies
in 2021. This startup focuses on computer virtualization, enhancing the
performance of existing equipment across corporate, public sector, and retail
markets—particularly for 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 solutions that improve
management, productivity, and development, ultimately contributing to
positive change through technology.