The transition from civil engineering to technology entrepreneurship defined the professional trajectory of Haroldo Jacobovicz, who chose an unconventional path after completing his education at the Federal University of Paraná. His academic preparation included both Military College training and civil engineering studies, yet he directed his efforts toward computing and software development during a period when such markets remained largely undeveloped in Brazil.

As the oldest among four siblings, he grew up observing his parents’ engineering careers. His father Alfredo combined university teaching with civil engineering practice, while his mother Sarita broke barriers as one of the earliest women to practice civil engineering in Paraná. Rather than replicating their established careers, Haroldo Jacobovicz pursued opportunities in sectors that had yet to prove their commercial viability.

His entrepreneurial activity began with Microsystem in 1983, a partnership formed with three computer-proficient colleagues before graduation. The company developed automation solutions for retail operations, specifically targeting inventory management and point-of-sale systems for pharmacies, supermarkets, and stores. Market conditions forced closure within two years, as potential clients lacked the infrastructure and readiness to implement computerized systems at that time.

This early experience preceded his employment at Esso, where he competed against more than 200 engineering applicants for a position. His role evolved through several stages, starting with reserve sales duties and advancing to market analysis responsibilities for southern Brazil. Eventually, he worked at the company’s Rio de Janeiro headquarters on commercial strategy and business development, utilizing computer-processed information for decision-making.

He subsequently joined the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant as an advisor to the Technical Director, returning to Paraná. This position exposed him to the complications of introducing computer technology within public sector organizations, where procurement rules governing permanent asset acquisition created barriers to adoption.

Following four years with the state-owned hydroelectric facility, Haroldo Jacobovicz launched Minauro with a refined business concept. The company provided computer hardware through rental arrangements rather than outright sales, offering 18-month equipment upgrades within four-year contracts that included maintenance support. Public sector entities across multiple regions adopted this model successfully. Expansion came through acquiring three firms—Consult, Perform, and Sisteplan—which brought software capabilities for tax, financial, administrative, health, and education management. These combined operations formed the e-Governe Group, maintaining an ongoing presence in municipal IT solutions.

Horizons Telecom emerged in 2010 as his entry into telecommunications, designed specifically for corporate customers. Working with Renato Guerreiro, who had led Anatel previously, the company gained recognition within its target market over a decade before acquisition by an investment consortium in 2021.

The sale of the telecommunications operation provided capital and motivation for establishing Arlequim Technologies, focused on computer virtualization. The company’s services upgrade older machines through remote computing resources, eliminating the need for hardware replacement while delivering performance comparable to current equipment. Target customers include businesses, government agencies, and individual users seeking gaming capabilities without substantial equipment investment.