Frank Licea

Howdy™

Founder @ Howdy.com

DISCO

Product

Buzz Points, Inc.

Bazaarvoice

Engineering

OwnLocal

Empowering print, radio and broadcast advertising on the the web.

Manager

Prep Code

Web-based programming tutor. Making computer science fun!

Founder

Cyber-ShARE

Software Engineer

SecureOrigins, Inc.

GPS tracking and supply chain disruption detection software.

CTO insights for CEOs - Founder@Howdy.com - YC W21

Co-Founder @ Howdy.com

I share my insights on how to build global teams without relying on traditional recruiters, staffing agencies, or outsourcing firms. All the things I've learned from years of building Howdy.com so that you can do them too.

✓ Unique ways of finding talented people
✓ Options for hiring them
✓ Pros and cons of providing equipment, offices and benefits
✓ Working with global teams and operations
✓ Bootstraping, VC, and building businesses
✓ Getting them to complete projects on time :)

A fellow founder recently told me his investors warned him away from
“island time” developers in Latin America. 



That kind of casual racism really infuriated me, so much so that I decided to dispel the myth of LATAM as a “third-world” source of tech talent. Contrary to what ignorant VCs think, the region is bustling with skilled professionals.

✅ LATAM's Growing Tech Prowess
Despite challenges, LATAM is making significant strides in the tech field. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of existing technologies across the region, transforming the landscape rapidly. This shift is not just in major cities like Buenos Aires and Medellín but is widespread across all of the LATAM markets in which Howdy.com operates.

✅ Actually, LATAM’s tech abilities are often undersold. While a recent report from McKinsey & Co. highlights a skills gap, on-the-ground realities tell a different story. Many LATAM countries are becoming
go-to destinations for global tech companies seeking top talent. LATAM is also the home of many unicorns — such as Nubank, Mercado Libre, and
Kavak — with valuations up to 50B USD.

✅ Investment Drives Its Growth
Substantial government initiatives in these countries support this tech evolution, making LATAM a promising hub for talent.

INNPulsa: Fosters entrepreneurial spirit and innovation in Colombia.

FINEP: Offers a range of programs to accelerate and nurture startup
growth in Brazil.

CORFO: Nurtures Chilean businesses and spearheads the renowned
Start-Up Chile initiative.

ANII: Provides various incentives and scholarships to fuel innovation across Uruguay.

ADIP: Collaborates with international partners to advance Mexico's
digital infrastructure

Argentina also plans to invest 288M USD in science, technology, and innovation through 2026, focusing on supporting SMEs, strengthening capacities, and enhancing its infrastructure.

✅ LATAM’s Educational Excellence in STEM
UNESCO reports that Colombia, Chile, and Mexico are ahead of the U.S. in terms of STEM graduates as a percentage of total higher-ed grads, with Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay close behind.

✅ The Dominant Tech Skills in LATAM Nations
Colombia: Data analysis, statistical programming, and mobile development
Brazil: Software and web development, data science, and AI Argentina: Software engineering, cybersecurity, IoT, and cloud computing Chile: Cloud computing, IoT, cybersecurity, AI, and big data analytics
Uruguay: Software development, cloud computing, IoT, cybersecurity, and AI
Mexico: Web development, data analytics, AI, cloud computing, and blockchain

✅ It’s Time To Embrace LATAM Tech Talent
The tech sector in LATAM is a vibrant, growing force. Savvy entrepreneurs in the U.S. are beginning to recognize the talent and skills emanating from this dynamic region. As Howdy and its clients continue to collaborate across borders, we're not just bridging gaps within their business but creating a more interconnected, skilled, and
innovative global tech ecosystem.

Taplio

Frank Licea's Linkedin Analytics

Frank Licea

What is Frank talking about?

Frank Licea's Best Posts (last 30 days)

Want to drive more opportunities from LinkedIn?

Taplio

.css-1jgreyo{background-image:linear-gradient(284deg, rgba(39,43,72,1) 0%, rgba(33,47,183,1) 100%);color:transparent;-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;}Frank Licea's Linkedin Analytics

Frank Licea

What is Frank talking about?

Frank Licea's Best Posts .css-qqfgvy{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);}(last 30 days)

Want to drive more opportunities from LinkedIn?

Frank Licea's Linkedin Analytics

Frank Licea's Best Posts (last 30 days)