Technical Education and Early Vision

The professional journey of Haroldo Jacobovicz began with a solid technical foundation. After seven years at Military College and four and a half years studying Civil Engineering at the Federal University of Paraná in the early 1980s, he demonstrated unusual foresight by turning his attention to the then-emerging field of Information Technology rather than pursuing traditional civil construction. This early recognition of technology’s transformative potential would become a defining characteristic throughout his career.

First Innovative Venture

The entrepreneurial path of Haroldo Jacobovicz began before he even completed his university studies. Recognizing the potential for computer automation in retail operations, he gathered three friends with computer skills to establish Microsystem. Their company introduced an innovative solution for its time: automated inventory control and cash register operations for stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets. Though this venture closed after two years because the market wasn’t yet ready for such technological integration, it represented an early attempt to bring digital transformation to Brazilian retail businesses.

Market-Ready Innovation

After gaining experience in both corporate (Esso, now Exxon Mobil) and public sector (Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant) environments, Haroldo Jacobovicz returned to entrepreneurship with a refined vision. He founded Minauro, introducing an innovative solution specifically designed for the needs and constraints of public agencies: computer rental and maintenance with four-year contracts that included equipment replacement every 18 months. This approach directly addressed the bureaucratic hurdles to technology adoption he had observed in government organizations and represented a significant innovation in how public sector entities could access computing resources.

Software Integration Innovation

As his business expanded, Haroldo Jacobovicz recognized opportunities for further innovation through software integration. Through strategic acquisitions of companies including Consult, Perform, and Sisteplan, he created comprehensive software solutions for public administration that integrated tax, financial, administrative, health, and education management functions. This integration resulted in the formation of the e-Governe Group, which brought innovative digital governance tools to Brazilian municipalities at a time when such solutions were still relatively new in the public sector.

Telecommunications Infrastructure Innovation

In 2010, Haroldo Jacobovicz founded Horizons Telecom, bringing innovation to the corporate telecommunications market. Built from the ground up with premium technical, human, and strategic resources, and based on a project originally conceived by Renato Guerreiro (the first president of Anatel), the company introduced advanced telecommunications infrastructure designed specifically for business needs. Within a decade, it became a reference in its market segment, demonstrating how purpose-built solutions could better serve corporate clients than general-purpose telecommunications services.

Current Innovation: Computer Virtualization

Following his telecommunications success, Haroldo Jacobovicz launched Arlequim Technologies in 2021, introducing innovative virtualization solutions to the Brazilian market. This startup focuses on enhancing the performance of existing computer equipment to match state-of-the-art machines without requiring new hardware purchases. The technology addresses multiple market needs simultaneously: improving computing performance, extending hardware lifespan, reducing electronic waste, and controlling costs—innovations that benefit corporate, public sector, and retail clients.

Innovation Approach: Identifying Specific Market Needs

Throughout his career, Haroldo Jacobovicz has demonstrated a consistent approach to innovation: identifying specific market needs or constraints and developing targeted solutions. With Microsystem, he sought to address retail inventory management challenges. With Minauro, he focused on bureaucratic hurdles to public sector computerization. The e-Governe Group targeted public administration software requirements. Horizons Telecom addressed corporate telecommunications needs. Arlequim Technologies now targets computing performance limitations. This consistent focus on specific problems has enabled Jacobovicz to develop innovations that provide clear value to their target markets.

Innovation Based on Cross-Sector Experience

The unique innovation perspective of Haroldo Jacobovicz has been shaped by his diverse experience across private and public sectors. His work at Esso provided insights into corporate technology needs and management practices. His time at Itaipu revealed public sector constraints and opportunities. This cross-sector experience has enabled him to identify innovation opportunities that might not be apparent to those with experience in only one sector, and to transfer effective approaches from one environment to another.

Reading as Innovation Source

Throughout his career, Haroldo Jacobovicz has maintained a practice of extensive reading, particularly newspapers and magazines. This habit has provided him with awareness of global developments and technological trends—information that becomes the raw material for identifying innovation opportunities. This systematic gathering of information, combined with his technical background and business experience, has been a key factor in his ability to repeatedly introduce relevant innovations to Brazilian technology markets.

Innovation with Social Impact

The innovations introduced by Haroldo Jacobovicz throughout his career have had significant social impact beyond their business success. His work with the e-Governe Group has improved public administration efficiency in numerous Brazilian municipalities. His telecommunications infrastructure has enhanced business productivity. His current virtualization technology extends the useful life of computing equipment, reducing electronic waste while making advanced computing more accessible. These impacts reflect his stated goal of contributing to a better world through practical technology implementations.

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