Haroldo Jacobovicz: From Civil Engineering to Computer Virtualization
When Haroldo Jacobovicz completed his civil engineering degree at the Federal University of Paraná in the 1980s, few would have predicted his eventual path into technology entrepreneurship. Yet the Curitiba-born businessman has spent most of his professional life building companies in the IT and telecommunications sectors, with Arlequim Technologies representing his most recent enterprise.
Educational Foundation and Early Career Choices
The son of two civil engineers—his father Alfredo was a university professor, while his mother Sarita became the seventh woman to earn a civil engineering degree in Paraná—Haroldo Jacobovicz seemed destined for construction projects and structural calculations. His educational background included seven years at Military College before his university studies, providing a disciplined foundation for his later business pursuits.
However, the emerging possibilities of information technology captured his attention more than traditional engineering work. This interest led him to create his first company while still completing his degree, a venture focused on automating retail operations for pharmacies, supermarkets, and shops. The business closed after two years when the market proved unprepared for such computerization, but the experience planted seeds for future endeavours.
Corporate Experience Shapes Business Perspective
Following his initial entrepreneurial attempt, Haroldo Jacobovicz gained experience at established organisations. He joined Esso, the American oil distribution multinational, where he progressed from reserve salesman to market analyst before reaching a position handling commercial tactics at the company’s Brazilian headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. His work there relied heavily on computer-processed data analysis.
A subsequent role at Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant as advisor to the Technical Director exposed him to public sector operations and the particular difficulties government entities faced when adopting computer systems. These observations would later inform his business strategies when he returned to entrepreneurship.
Arlequim Technologies and Digital Access
Arlequim Technologies, founded in 2021, pursues what its founder describes as making quality digital experiences available to more people through practical means. The company specialises in virtualization technology that can enhance the capabilities of older or less powerful computers, allowing them to perform tasks typically requiring more advanced hardware.
The service targets three primary audiences: businesses seeking to extend their technology investments, government agencies working within budget limitations, and individual consumers—particularly gaming enthusiasts who want better performance without purchasing expensive new equipment. Gamification trends have increased hardware demands for many users, making such solutions potentially relevant to a growing audience.
Practical Technology as a Consistent Theme
Throughout his various ventures, Haroldo Jacobovicz has maintained a focus on technology applications that address specific operational needs. From his early retail automation attempts through his telecommunications work and now virtualization services, the common thread appears to be finding ways technology can solve tangible problems for organisations and individuals.
Arlequim Technologies continues this pattern, though its long-term trajectory within the virtualization market remains uncertain. The company represents one businessman’s ongoing effort to identify where technology might serve practical purposes at accessible price points.
