From Civil Engineer to Tech Visionary: The Journey of Haroldo Jacobovicz
Early Foundations and Education
The path that led Haroldo Jacobovicz to become a prominent figure in Brazil’s technology sector began with a solid educational foundation. After completing seven years at Military College followed by four and a half years studying Civil Engineering at the Federal University of Paraná, Jacobovicz found himself drawn to a field quite different from his training. While civil construction might have seemed the obvious choice given his educational background—and the influence of his parents, including his mother Sarita, who made history as the seventh female civil engineer in Paraná—Haroldo Jacobovicz was captivated by the emerging potential of Information Technology in the 1980s.
First Ventures in Technology
The entrepreneurial spirit of Haroldo Jacobovicz manifested early in his career when he gathered three friends with computer expertise to establish Microsystem before even completing his university studies. Their aim was to provide automation solutions for inventory control and cash registers in retail establishments like stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets. This venture, though short-lived due to market unreadiness for computerization, showcased Jacobovicz’s foresight regarding technology’s transformative power.
Corporate Experience and Growth
When his initial entrepreneurial effort closed after two years, Haroldo Jacobovicz shifted gears and joined Esso (now Exxon Mobil Corporation). Selected from among more than 200 engineers, he quickly rose through the ranks, progressing from reserve salesman to market analyst for the South region, eventually becoming responsible for commercial tactics and new business at the Brazilian headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. His work there heavily relied on computer-processed data, further cementing his interest in information technology.
Public Sector Insights
Economic pressures during the Cruzado Plan period, combined with family considerations, prompted Haroldo Jacobovicz to leave Esso and return to Paraná. There, he joined the prestigious Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant project as an advisor to the Technical Director. This position offered unique insights into the public sector’s approach to computerization, including the bureaucratic challenges associated with adopting new technologies as permanent assets.
Return to Entrepreneurship
Armed with experience from both multinational and state-owned environments, Haroldo Jacobovicz returned to his entrepreneurial roots after four years at Itaipu. He established Minauro, an innovative computer rental and maintenance company targeting public agencies. The company offered four-year contracts with equipment replacement every 18 months, including maintenance services—a solution that proved highly successful in winning bids across Brazil’s South and Southeast regions.
Expansion and Diversification
The business acumen of Haroldo Jacobovicz led to further expansion when Minauro incorporated software solutions for tax, financial, administrative, health, and education management through the acquisitions of companies like Consult, Perform, and Sisteplan. This strategic move resulted in the creation of the e-Governe Group, which continues to serve numerous Brazilian municipalities with specialized IT solutions for public administration.
Telecommunications and Beyond
In 2010, seeking to enter the corporate market, Haroldo Jacobovicz founded Horizons Telecom from the ground up, utilizing the best available technical, human, and strategic resources. The project, originally conceived by electrical engineer Renato Guerreiro (Anatel’s first president), grew significantly under Jacobovicz’s leadership. Within a decade, it became a reference in the corporate telecommunications niche before being acquired by a major investment group in early 2021.
Following this successful venture, Haroldo Jacobovicz established Arlequim Technologies, focusing on improving computing performance for previously limited equipment across corporate, public sector, and retail markets, particularly targeting gamers. This innovative service enhances outdated computers to perform comparably with state-of-the-art equipment without requiring new hardware purchases.