In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, a significant shift is taking place. While many tech giants are clamoring to bring their teams back into physical office spaces, a parallel trend has emerged: the look towards Latin America as a prime source for developer talent. This geographic pivot is particularly noticeable among companies seeking experts capable of contributing to the ongoing revolution in artificial intelligence (AI). Revelo, a full-stack platform dedicated to matching vetted developers from Latin America with global teams, is a cornerstone of this movement.
As businesses grapple with the demands of AI’s post-training phase, the need for skilled engineers has surged. Revelo’s co-founder and CEO, Lucas Mendes, articulates that the strong demand for talent is linked to the need for “expert human data” that enhances the performance of large language models (LLMs). This shift has not only elevated the profile of developers in the region but has fundamentally transformed how companies view remote work.
Revenue Growth Amidst a Changing Landscape
It’s noteworthy that hiring for LLM training roles has contributed significantly to Revelo’s financial success, accounting for 22% of its revenue in 2024. Mendes underscored that many organizations are specifically seeking developers with expertise in particular coding languages, highlighting a strategic approach to address skill gaps. This targeted recruitment strategy positions Latin America not just as a pool of talent but as a critical component in the competitive market for AI development.
The scale of operation at Revelo is impressive, with over 400,000 developers on its platform. This vast network allows for swift connections between U.S. companies and Latin American programmers, enabling high-quality matches that fulfill specific project demands. Firms like Intuit, Oracle, Dell, and numerous AI providers are reportedly tapping into this talent resource, giving Revelo a prestigious client roster and solidifying its importance in the tech ecosystem.
Growing Trust in Distributed Teams
The onset of COVID-19 catalyzed the acceptance of remote work, and Revelo’s influence in this space expanded significantly as companies began to recognize the quality that distributed teams could offer. The pandemic served as a litmus test for remote collaboration, enabling businesses to rethink their talent sourcing strategies. Mendes recalls how initial hesitance towards hiring from Latin America transformed as companies experienced the benefits first-hand.
Yet, as organizations navigate a post-pandemic return to office life, Revelo stands out as an exception. While many companies are lapsing back into traditional work environments, Revelo’s growth remains steady. Mendes’s candid acknowledgment of the industry’s trend to return to in-person work offers a compelling counterpoint to the prevailing narrative. Rather than being swayed by this trend, Revelo appears to be bolstered by the underlying advantages that its nearshoring strategy provides, notably the ability to work across similar time zones.
Nearshoring: A Strategic Advantage
Mendes emphasizes that hiring talent from Latin America is not merely about cost-saving—it’s a strategic move towards enhancing team cohesion and communication. This nearshoring model differs significantly from offshoring by mitigating the logistical challenges and cultural discrepancies often faced when working with teams across more distant time zones. The proximity fosters collaboration, enabling teams to maintain agility and responsiveness in an industry where rapid innovation is paramount.
Moreover, as Revelo continues to dominate the regional talent market, it has also made strategic acquisitions to consolidate its position. In the last two and a half years, the company has acquired five competitors, unveiling Mendes’s vision of creating a robust global talent infrastructure tailored for AI’s needs. Such moves signal an industry trend where adaptability and strategic foresight can yield significant benefits in today’s volatile tech landscape.
Catalyzing a New Future
As Revelo charts its course in the competitive waters of talent recruitment, the underlying message is clear: the future of technology development must embrace geographical diversity while fostering an inclusive approach to talent sourcing. The surge in interest from U.S. companies presents a unique opportunity for Latin American developers to carve out a place on the global stage, further enriching the tech industry with diverse perspectives.
As firms confront the dual challenge of returning to the office while simultaneously driving innovation in AI, the lessons learned from Revelo’s trajectory demonstrate the immense potential that Latin American talent holds in redefining the tech ecosystem. Embracing change, acknowledging the advantages of nearshoring, and nurturing global partnerships could very well be the keys to unlocking the next wave of brilliance in technology. The momentum is there; it’s a matter of harnessing it effectively.