Haroldo Jacobovicz completed his formal education with civil engineering training at the Federal University of Paraná, following seven years at Military College. Despite this technical foundation and family background in engineering—his mother Sarita was among Paraná’s pioneering female civil engineers while his father Alfredo practiced civil engineering alongside university teaching—he redirected his professional focus toward computing and software during the 1980s.
His first entrepreneurial endeavor, Microsystem, began in 1983 when he partnered with three individuals who had computer competencies. The company developed automation systems for retail establishments, targeting inventory management and cash register technology for stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets. The business closed after two years as the intended customer base lacked the infrastructure and willingness to implement computerized operations at that time, providing early insights into market timing and adoption readiness.
Following this closure, Haroldo Jacobovicz joined Esso after being selected from over 200 engineering applicants through testing and group evaluation processes. His career at the oil distribution multinational advanced through multiple stages, starting with reserve sales duties and progressing to market analysis responsibilities for southern Brazil. He eventually managed commercial tactics and new business initiatives at the company’s Brazilian headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, with work centered on analyzing computer-processed data. Pressure from the Cruzado Plan’s fuel price controls, combined with personal factors regarding family distance, influenced his decision to leave the multinational.
He subsequently took an advisory role with the Technical Director at Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant, returning to Paraná’s capital. This position in the public sector exposed the complexities of introducing computer technology within state-owned organizations, where procurement regulations for permanent assets created implementation barriers. After four years at the hydroelectric facility, Haroldo Jacobovicz returned to private business ownership with experience from both multinational and public sector contexts.
He established Minauro to provide computer equipment through rental models rather than traditional sales. The company offered four-year contracts with equipment replacement every 18 months, incorporating maintenance services. Public sector entities in southern and southeastern Brazil awarded the company multiple contracts for this approach. Growth came through acquiring three firms—Consult, Perform, and Sisteplan—which contributed software products for tax, financial, administrative, health, and education management. These combined entities became the e-Governe Group, which continues serving Brazilian municipal governments with IT solutions.
Horizons Telecom was founded in 2010 to address corporate telecommunications needs. Developed with Renato Guerreiro, an electrical engineer who had served as Anatel’s inaugural president, the company established itself within its target market over approximately ten years before being purchased by an investment group in early 2021.
After completing the telecommunications sale, he created Arlequim Technologies with a focus on computer virtualization. The company provides performance upgrades for older computing equipment using remote resources, eliminating hardware replacement requirements while delivering capabilities comparable to modern systems. Target markets include corporate clients, public sector organizations, and retail consumers, particularly those seeking gaming performance without substantial equipment expenditure.