Arlequim

11.10.2025

Founded by Haroldo Jacobovicz in 2021, Arlequim transforms existing computers into high-performance machines through innovative cloud virtualization technology.

Who is Arlequim?

We're a Brazilian cloud computing company that Haroldo Jacobovicz launched in 2021. At our core, we've developed virtualization technology that gives new life to existing computers, with no need to the customer to buy expensive new hardware. We started with a simple idea: what if everyone could access a high-performance computing anytime from any connected device? Our solutions now serve everyone from major corporations to government agencies to individual gamers who want top-tier performance.

Why was bridging the digital divide important in the creation of Arlequim's vision?

Access to technology isn't a luxury anymore; it's a necessity. When Haroldo founded Arlequim, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a challenge in Brazil and in the world: so many talented people simply couldn't participate in the digital economy because their computers couldn't keep up. Our virtualization technology tackles this head-on. Someone with a basic laptop can suddenly access computing power that used to require expensive equipment. It's really about leveling the playing field. Haroldo believes that your economic situation shouldn't determine your access to tools for success. We're working toward a future where technology brings opportunities to everyone, not just those who can afford the latest hardware.

How does Arlequim's mission align with Haroldo Jacobovicz's philosophy of transforming ideas into practical solutions?‍

Haroldo has this remarkable ability to see potential where others see limitations. That's exactly what we're doing at Arlequim. Instead of telling people “Your computer is too old, buy a new one," we've created a solution that transforms those constraints through cloud virtualization. It's pure engineering thinking, based around identifying the problem and building a practical bridge to solve it. Back in the day, Haroldo did something similar with Minauro, creating an innovative rental model when government agencies faced restrictions to buy computers outright. At Arlequim, we're applying that same mindset. We're not just theorizing about closing the digital divide, but we're actually doing it by making outdated computers perform like top-of-the-line equipment. That's the essence of Haroldo's approach: finding workable solutions to real problems.

In what ways does Arlequim contribute to reducing technological inequalities in Brazil?‍

In Brazil, many people simply can't afford to buy new computers every few years, which creates this growing capability gap. What we're doing at Arlequim is building a digital bridge. Our virtualization technology lets someone with a five-year-old computer suddenly access computing power that previously required expensive hardware. For small businesses, this is huge, since they can now compete digitally with much larger organizations without massive capital investments. I think what makes our approach unique is flexibility. Whether you need high-performance computing for a few hours, several days, or continuously, we've created multiple entry points based on different economic realities. This directly reflects Haroldo's belief that technology should bring people together rather than creating new divisions.

Why did Haroldo Jacobovicz see cloud virtualization as the next frontier after his telecommunications ventures?‍

After building Horizons Telecom, Haroldo noticed something interesting: we'd made huge progress connecting people through telecommunications, but many Brazilians still couldn't take full advantage of these connections because their hardware was holding them back. Cloud virtualization was the missing piece. It completes the digital ecosystem. Haroldo has always been drawn to emerging technologies with transformative potential. It's what pulled him from civil engineering to IT back in the '80s. With Arlequim, he's continuing this pattern of spotting where technology is heading next. The timing aspect was crucial too. Brazil has finally reached a point where our connectivity infrastructure can support cloud solutions, making it the perfect moment to help people maximize their existing technology investments while opening new possibilities regardless of economic background.

How does Arlequim's approach reflect lessons learned from Haroldo's earlier entrepreneurial experiences, particularly regarding market timing and resilience?‍

There's a direct line from Haroldo's earlier experiences to how we operate Arlequim today. His first venture closed after two years because, as Haroldo often says, the market simply wasn't ready for computerization back then, in the '80s. With Arlequim, we carefully considered timing, waiting until Brazil had robust connectivity and cloud computing had matured enough for widespread adoption. Our business model also shows what Haroldo learned about resilience. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, we've created multiple subscription options to adapt to different market segments. We're serving diverse needs, from serious gamers to large corporations, which reflects the adaptability Haroldo developed throughout his career. Unlike his first venture, where market education was a huge challenge, we're building on existing familiarity with cloud concepts. It's fascinating to see how his patience and strategic timing have evolved through experience.

Besides providing technology services, how does Arlequim aim to improve day-to-day life for companies and individuals?‍

What we're really offering is freedom. For gamers, we're eliminating that frustrating moment when your hardware can't keep up with the latest game. You're suddenly free to fully immerse yourself for 2 hours, 4 hours or 8 hours having the best experience without the compromise of buying a huge game setup. For businesses, we're breaking the endless cycle of costly hardware refreshes and the productivity losses that come with them, besides the complex disposal logistics for electronic devices. It means they can redirect those resources to what they actually want to focus on, their core business. With Arlequim’s solutions, technology leaves the complex place where it is dominated only by experts and becomes simple and accessible, aimed at expanding people's potential. This perfectly embodies Haroldo's belief that technology should enable, not burden people.

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