Understanding how different types of organisations operate can prove valuable for entrepreneurs. The career of Haroldo Jacobovicz demonstrates how time spent in both corporate and government settings informed his approach to building technology businesses that serve varied customer bases across Brazil.
Foundations in Paraná
The Jacobovicz children grew up surrounded by technical discussions in their Curitiba home. Engineering was the family profession—father Alfredo combined civil engineering practice with an academic career, while mother Sarita had established herself among Paraná’s small group of female civil engineers during an era of limited opportunities for women in the field. As the oldest sibling, Jacobovicz followed suit, completing military schooling before earning his civil engineering qualification from the Federal University of Paraná.
Early Attraction to Information Technology
Construction held little appeal compared to the possibilities Haroldo Jacobovicz saw in computing. The early 1980s presented opportunities for those willing to bet on technology’s expanding role in business operations. Still completing his degree, he recruited three friends with technical expertise and started Microsystem in 1983.
The company’s mission involved bringing computerised inventory and sales systems to small commercial establishments. Pharmacies, retailers, and supermarkets seemed like natural customers for such services. Reality proved different—few business owners were ready to invest in computerisation, and Microsystem wound down within two years.
Insights from Contrasting Workplaces
Rather than immediately attempting another startup, Jacobovicz pursued employment that would expand his understanding of how organisations function. Petroleum giant Esso hired him following a competitive selection process involving hundreds of engineering graduates. His rise through the company included market analysis work and eventually strategic responsibilities at Brazilian headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.
A position at Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant came next. There, Haroldo Jacobovicz gained direct knowledge of public sector procurement—the regulations, approval processes, and asset management rules that complicated technology purchases for government bodies. These observations would later prove essential when designing services for public clients.
Businesses Built on Organisational Understanding
This dual perspective—corporate efficiency paired with awareness of public sector limitations—guided Jacobovicz when he launched Minauro. The company’s leasing model for government computer systems addressed specific procurement difficulties he had witnessed firsthand. Contracts bundling hardware, maintenance, and regular upgrades resonated with agencies seeking technology solutions without bureaucratic complications.
Success enabled acquisitions of software companies serving municipal governments, forming the e-Governe Group. Separately, Horizons Telecom launched in 2010 with a focus on business telecommunications. That operation ran for eleven years before its sale to investors in 2021.
Continuing the Pattern
Jacobovicz currently operates Arlequim Technologies, established following the Horizons transaction. The virtualisation startup offers services designed to boost the performance of existing computers through software solutions. Its customer base spans corporate, government, and consumer markets—including gamers seeking enhanced computing capabilities without expensive hardware purchases.
Each venture reflects lessons absorbed from his varied professional experiences, applied to specific market segments with identifiable needs.