As many tech companies insist on bringing employees back to physical offices and prioritizing in-person collaboration, a notable shift is occurring in the pursuit of developer talent. Firms are increasingly turning their attention to Latin America, particularly for expertise in post-training AI models.
Revelo, a platform boasting a network of vetted developers in the region, has experienced a surge in demand for engineers skilled in large language model (LLM) training. CEO Lucas Mendes stated that this spike is part of the ongoing AI revolution, specifically in the post-training phase for LLMs.
Mendes explained that there’s a heightened need for expert human data to enhance LLMs’ performance on specific, high-value tasks such as coding. Companies focused on foundational AI models are actively seeking engineers who can contribute vital human data to improve LLM coding capabilities.
In 2024, LLM training roles comprised 22% of Revelo’s revenue. Mendes noted that many companies approach Revelo seeking specific coding language experts to address gaps they face in LLM post-training processes.
The platform currently provides talent to major U.S. enterprises including Intuit, Oracle, and Dell, serving nearly every leading hyperscale AI provider. Revelo is not alone in this endeavor; other companies like Terminal, Tecla, and Near are also facilitating connections between U.S. businesses and Latin American programmers.
Since its establishment in late 2014, Revelo has successfully navigated various hiring trends. Mendes, who co-founded the company with Lachlan de Crespigny, recognized a tight talent market and believed a vetted talent network in Brazil could meet companies’ needs.
This vision attracted over $48 million in venture funding and led to expansion beyond Brazil into wider Latin America. The Covid-19 pandemic significantly enhanced Revelo’s reach as U.S. companies embraced the potential of high-quality distributed teams, especially in Latin America.
As companies began to favor remote work, Revelo gained traction, leading to further interest from clients wanting more Latin American talent due to favorable time zone alignment. Despite a general shift back to in-person work, Revelo continues to grow in demand for its Latin American developers.
Mendes argues that the appeal of nearshoring—hiring talent in similar time zones—as opposed to offshoring keeps interest in their services strong. Recently, the company has acquired five competitors in the last 30 months, indicating a commitment to strengthening its role in fostering global talent for the evolving AI landscape.