The story of how a
civil engineering graduate became one of Brazil’s most notable technology entrepreneurs
offers valuable insights into recognizing opportunity and embracing change.
Haroldo Jacobovicz, now recognized for his contributions to information
technology and telecommunications, began his professional life on a path that
might have looked quite different.
Roots in
Engineering
Born as the eldest of
four siblings in Paraná, Brazil, Haroldo Jacobovicz came from a family with
deep ties to engineering. His father Alfredo worked as both a civil engineer
and university professor, while his mother Sarita distinguished herself as the
seventh female civil engineer in Paraná state. This background naturally influenced
his early education choices.
After completing seven
years at Military College and nearly five years studying Civil Engineering at
the Federal University of Paraná, Jacobovicz stood at a crossroads that would
define his career. Instead of pursuing traditional civil
construction work, he found himself captivated by the transformative
potential of information technology during the 1980s.
The First
Entrepreneurial Steps
What separates Haroldo
Jacobovicz from many of his contemporaries was his willingness to explore
uncharted territory before even finishing his formal education. Together with
three technically-minded friends, he established Microsystem, a company focused
on bringing automation to small businesses through inventory control and cash
register systems.
Though this venture
closed after two years—the market wasn’t yet prepared for such
computerization—it demonstrated Jacobovicz’s forward-thinking approach. This
early experience, rather than discouraging him, provided valuable lessons that
would shape his future business decisions.
Corporate
Training Ground
Recognizing that
larger enterprises might be more receptive to technological
innovation, Haroldo Jacobovicz joined Esso (now Exxon Mobil) after
competing against more than 200 other engineers for the position. His talent
quickly became apparent as he advanced from reserve salesman to market analyst
for Brazil’s South region, ultimately reaching a position responsible for
commercial tactics and new business development at the company’s Brazilian
headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.
His work at Esso
heavily involved computer-processed data, further strengthening his conviction
regarding technology’s business value. Later, when economic challenges and
family considerations prompted a career shift, Jacobovicz moved to the Itaipu
Hydroelectric Plant as an advisor to the Technical Director, where he witnessed
firsthand the difficulties of implementing technological solutions within
public sector bureaucracy.
Return to
Entrepreneurship
After gaining
invaluable experience in both multinational and state-owned environments,
Haroldo Jacobovicz returned to his entrepreneurial roots in the 1990s. Drawing
on his accumulated knowledge, he founded Minauro, a company that offered
innovative computer rental and maintenance services primarily to public agencies.
The business
model—providing four-year contracts with equipment replacement every 18 months
and included maintenance—addressed the specific challenges he had observed in
government technology adoption. This solution proved successful, winning
numerous bids throughout Brazil’s South and Southeast regions.
Expanding the
Technology Vision
Jacobovicz’s business
acumen led to further expansion as he incorporated software solutions through
strategic acquisitions of companies including Consult, Perform, and Sisteplan.
These moves resulted in the creation of the e-Governe Group, which continues to
provide specialized IT solutions to Brazilian municipalities today.
In 2010, Haroldo
Jacobovicz ventured into telecommunications by establishing Horizons Telecom,
which rapidly developed into a reference point in the corporate
telecommunications market. After a decade of growth, the company was acquired
by a major investment group in early 2021.
Most recently,
Jacobovicz launched Arlequim Technologies, focusing on computer virtualization
to enhance the performance of existing equipment across various markets. This
venture reflects his consistent aim of using technology to improve daily
operations for businesses and individuals while maximizing cost-effectiveness.
Throughout his
professional journey, Haroldo Jacobovicz has repeatedly demonstrated how
technical knowledge combined with business insight can identify opportunities
where others see only challenges.