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Why Hiring in Latam is a Game-Changer for U.S. Startups

Guest post from Bill Kerr, founder and CEO of Athyna

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Justin Gordon & Bill Kerr
September 05, 2024

Hey! Justin here, and welcome to Just Go Grind, a newsletter sharing the lessons, tactics, and stories of world-class founders!

Today we’ve got another guest post from Bill Kerr the founder and CEO of Athyna and author of Open Source CEO.

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On to today’s guest post from Bill Kerr!

The U.S. Hiring Dilemma

Let’s set the scene: you’re a U.S. startup founder, and you’ve probably noticed that the hiring landscape in the U.S. is nothing short of a battlefield.

With tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and even Austin driving living costs through the roof, salaries have skyrocketed. And if you’re operating on a tight budget—which most startups are—this means that a significant chunk of your capital is funneling into securing and retaining top-tier talent.

But the challenges don’t stop at salaries.

Let’s talk about benefits packages, a financial burden that’s grown almost impossible for many startups. Companies are spending more on healthcare, retirement plans, and other perks, just to stay competitive.

Source; Forbes.

And here’s the kicker: the U.S. is facing a severe talent shortage, especially in the tech sector.

By 2030, the talent gap will only widen, making it even harder to find and retain the specialized skills your startup needs to thrive.

This shortage is already inflating salaries, particularly for roles in tech and finance, creating an even more challenging environment for startups trying to scale.

The Solution: Latam Talent

So, what’s a savvy founder to do? Enter Latam. Here’s why this region is quickly becoming the go-to solution for startups looking to scale without the stress:

Remote Work Advantage:

The shift towards remote work has changed the game, making it easier than ever to tap into Latam’s talent pool.

The beauty of this setup?

You can hire skilled professionals without the hefty price tag of relocation, ensuring cost efficiency without sacrificing talent quality.

Cost Efficiency:

Let’s talk numbers. The cost of living in Latam is significantly lower than in the U.S., allowing startups to offer competitive salaries that are up to 80% less than what you’d pay stateside.

But here’s the thing—these salaries still offer a high quality of life for Latam professionals. It’s a win-win scenario: you get to stretch your budget further while still attracting top-tier talent.

Strategic Market Expansion:

Hiring in Latam isn’t just about cost savings—it’s also a strategic move that can open doors to new markets and customer bases. The diversity of perspectives you gain from a global team can foster innovation and bring fresh ideas to the table, driving business growth in ways you might not have anticipated.

High-Quality Talent:

When it comes to talent, Latam isn’t just holding its own—it’s thriving.

Cities like São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City have emerged as tech hubs, churning out highly skilled professionals who are not just talented but also experienced with global giants like Amazon, Meta, and Oracle, as well as regional powerhouses like Mercado Libre and Nubank.

These professionals are eager to bring their skills to innovative startups, offering you access to a talent pool that’s both deep and diverse.

Cultural and Time Zone Fit:

Time zones matter more than you might think, especially when it comes to seamless collaboration.

Latam operates in similar time zones to the U.S., which means you get significant overlap for real-time collaboration.

And let’s not forget the cultural alignment—Latam professionals often have strong English proficiency and have been exposed to work cultures that mirror those in the U.S. This makes integration into your team smoother than ever.

Breaking Down the Numbers: Latam vs. U.S. Compensation

Let’s get down to brass tacks. When you compare the average salaries between the U.S. and Latam countries like Brazil and Colombia, the differences are striking.

According to Glassdoor and internal analysis from Athyna, companies can save significantly on compensation while still attracting top talent.

The graphs above highlight the stark contrasts.

This isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about making smart, strategic decisions that position your startup for long-term success.

The Athyna Advantage

This is where Athyna comes in.

Whether you’re a startup with a limited budget or a scaling company looking to expand, Athyna makes the hiring process seamless. We don’t just save you money—we help you access high-quality talent that can drive your startup’s growth.

Athyna’s platform has successfully placed professionals from tech giants and regional powerhouses into key roles across various industries.

Our team members come from companies like Amazon, Meta, and Oracle, as well as Latam's own decacorns like Mercado Libre and Nubank.

How to Start Building a Global Team

So, you’re convinced—Latam is the way to go. But how do you start building your global team? Here are two pathways to consider:

Option 1: Go It Alone

You could opt to build your global team internally. This requires a strong recruitment team with boots on the ground or an exceptional understanding of the local markets. It’s the most cost-effective approach if you have the right internal resources, but it can be challenging without local expertise.

Option 2: Partner with Experts

Alternatively, you can partner with companies like Athyna that specialize in global talent acquisition. This option is less risky and allows you to leverage their expertise and established networks. While you’ll pay a margin for their services, it ensures a smoother and faster hiring process, giving you access to top-tier talent without the headaches.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

A word of caution: be wary of freelancer marketplaces like Upwork or Fiverr for long-term hires. These platforms are great for one-off projects but often lead to inconsistent results for permanent roles. If you’re serious about building a high-performing team, dedicated talent platforms like Athyna are the way to go.

The Future of Remote Work

The future of work is undoubtedly remote and global. As companies continue to embrace this model, those that adapt quickly will have a competitive advantage. Remote work is not just a temporary solution—it’s a strategic approach that allows companies to access the best talent, no matter where they are in the world.

Platforms like Athyna are at the forefront of this shift, helping companies build teams that are not bound by geography but united by shared goals and values. Whether you’re a startup looking to scale or an established company seeking to innovate, the future is global, and the time to act is now.

Final Thoughts: Why Latam Should Be on Your Radar

Let’s wrap this up. Hiring in Latam is not just a trend—it’s a smart, strategic move that can help your startup scale faster and more efficiently.

The future of work is global, and Latam is positioned to play a key role in shaping that future.

If you’re ready to make the shift, Athyna is here to make the transition smooth and effective.

So, what are you waiting for? The best talent is out there—just not where you’ve been looking.

📚 Recent Founder Deep Dives

In the past year and a half, I’ve written dozens of deep dives on world-class founders, sharing how they built their companies. These typically take 20-30 hours to research and write. The most recent ones are below:

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Justin

Founder of Just Go Grind and Village Lane

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