As the artificial intelligence (AI) sector continues to evolve, U.S. companies are increasingly seeking specialized talent to enhance their large language models (LLMs). Revelo, a comprehensive platform connecting U.S. businesses with vetted software developers from Latin America, has experienced a significant uptick in demand for engineers proficient in post-training LLM development.
Founded in late 2014 by Lucas Mendes and Lachlan de Crespigny, Revelo was established to address the growing need for skilled developers by creating a network of vetted talent in Brazil. Over time, the company expanded its reach across Latin America, building a robust talent pool that now exceeds 400,000 developers. This extensive network enables U.S. companies to efficiently source, hire, and manage remote software developers within their time zones.
The recent surge in demand is largely driven by the next phase of the AI revolution: post-training LLMs. Companies are in a race to acquire expert human data to refine their LLMs for specific high-value tasks, such as coding. Mendes highlighted this trend, stating, There’s a race for data, and especially expert human data, that can actually help LLMs be better at very specific high-value tasks. Coding is one of those tasks. In 2024, hires related to LLM training accounted for 22% of Revelo’s revenue, underscoring the growing importance of this niche.
Revelo’s platform offers a seamless experience for U.S. companies by not only facilitating the hiring process but also managing payroll, benefits, taxes, and local compliance. This comprehensive approach allows businesses to focus on their core operations while leveraging top-tier talent from Latin America. Notable clients include industry giants such as Intuit, Oracle, and Dell, as well as nearly every major hyperscale AI provider.
The company’s success is further evidenced by its substantial venture funding, having raised over $48 million from prominent firms like Social Capital, FJ Labs, and Valor Capital Group. This financial backing has enabled Revelo to expand its services and continue meeting the evolving needs of the tech industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic played a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of remote work, prompting U.S. companies to explore talent beyond their borders. Mendes noted, All of a sudden we started getting inbound from U.S. companies who suddenly realized that you can actually have really high-quality distributed teams and have some of those engineers in Latin America. This shift has led to a broader acceptance of remote teams and a recognition of the quality and cost-effectiveness of Latin American developers.
Revelo’s strategic acquisition of Mexico-based Listopro in June 2022 further solidified its position as a leader in the remote tech talent market. This move expanded Revelo’s network by an additional 50,000 vetted tech professionals, bringing the total to 300,000 at that time. The acquisition enhanced Revelo’s ability to address the insatiable demand for quality developers, providing U.S. companies with a seamless option to look beyond geographical boundaries for the best talent.
The Latin American tech talent pool offers several advantages that align with the needs of U.S. companies. The region boasts a robust technical foundation, with Brazil and Mexico alone hosting over 2.2 million software engineering professionals. These countries produce more than 350,000 new engineering graduates annually, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled talent. Additionally, the region’s expertise in cloud-native technologies and alignment with U.S. time zones make it an attractive option for companies seeking to build high-performing remote teams.
Revelo’s success in connecting U.S. companies with Latin American developers underscores the growing importance of this talent pool in the global tech landscape. As the demand for AI expertise continues to rise, platforms like Revelo play a crucial role in bridging the gap between companies and the skilled professionals needed to drive innovation and growth.
