Revelo’s LatAm Talent Network Thrives Amid Rising US Demand Fueled by AI Innovation
As tech companies increasingly emphasize in-person collaboration, they are simultaneously seeking out developer talent in Latin America to support the burgeoning field of AI, particularly in post-training large language models (LLMs). This shift is exemplified by Revelo, a prominent platform connecting vetted developers from Latin America with U.S. enterprises.
Growing Demand for AI Developers in Latin America
According to Lucas Mendes, co-founder and CEO of Revelo, there is a notable surge in demand for engineers capable of assisting with the training of LLMs. Revelo boasts over 400,000 developers on its platform, streamlining the hiring and payment processes for its U.S. clients.
The AI Revolution and Its Talent Needs
Mendes highlights that the current demand is fueled by the next phase of the AI revolution, specifically the need for post-training LLMs. He explains:
“There’s a race for data, and especially expert human data, that can actually help LLMs be better at specific high-value tasks, such as coding.”
In fact, LLM training hires contributed to 22% of Revelo’s revenue in 2024, showcasing the significant role these specialists play in the AI landscape.
Collaborations with Major Tech Companies
Revelo is actively supplying talented developers to U.S. companies like Intuit, Oracle, and Dell, as well as nearly every major hyperscale AI provider. This collaboration underlines the growing reliance on Latin American talent for specialized skill sets.
Emerging Competitors in Latin America
Revelo is not alone in this endeavor. Companies such as Terminal, Tecla, and Near are also working to connect U.S. businesses with skilled programmers in Latin America.
Background and Growth of Revelo
Founded in late 2014, Revelo emerged during a period of intense competition for talent. Mendes and co-founder Lachlan de Crespigny aimed to create a network of vetted talent in Brazil, enabling companies to find the skilled developers they needed.
- Revelo has successfully raised over $48 million in venture funding from notable firms such as Social Capital, FJ Labs, and Valor Capital Group.
- Expansion beyond Brazil into the broader Latin American region has been a key strategy for growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased Revelo’s reach, as U.S. companies recognized the feasibility of building high-quality distributed teams with engineers based in Latin America.
Future Outlook for Latin American Talent
Despite a general trend of tech companies returning to in-person work, the demand for Latin American developers remains robust. Mendes notes:
“The demand for our LatAm talent has not diminished, even as companies shift back to the office.”
He attributes this sustained interest to the nearshoring advantage that Latin American developers offer, being in similar time zones to their U.S. clients, which enhances collaboration.
Strategic Acquisitions and Future Plans
To meet the increasing demand, Revelo has acquired five competitors focused on Latin American talent over the last 30 months, including Alto and Paretisa. Mendes emphasizes:
“We’re building that global talent backbone for the age of AI, and there will be more acquisitions in the future.”
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between U.S. companies and Latin American developers is set to play a crucial role in the advancement of AI and other technological innovations.
