Why Nearshoring Works and How Lupa Can Help You Get It Right

At Lupa, we didn't evolved naturally. When I first started getting requests to help businesses hire in Latin America, it quickly became clear that the talent here wasn't just competitive with what you'd find in the U.S. it was often better. And the fact that we share similar time zones made it an easy choice. Nearshoring isn't just about saving money—it's about getting better results.

Here's my take on why nearshoring is the way to go, and how we at Lupa make it work.

The Strategic Shift in Nearshore Outsourcing

Back when nearshore outsourcing first began, Latin America was mainly seen as a place for operational roles like call centers or junior developers. But that's changed. Now, companies are nearshoring high-level roles like key contributors and strategic positions. It makes sense—U.S. businesses are constantly competing with giants like Google and Amazon for top talent, which drives up costs and makes hiring harder. In Latin America, U.S. companies have an advantage, in attracting top-tier talent, and for professionals here, working for a U.S. company is often an exciting opportunity. It's a win-win.

At Lupa, nearshoring isn't just about filling roles quickly—it's about making sure the talent we bring on is the right fit for long-term success. The old model of outsourcing basic tasks doesn't work anymore. What we're seeing now is companies integrating nearshore teams into their core operations, with skilled professionals from Latin America taking on leadership and strategic roles that make a real difference.

We've seen this firsthand at Lupa with companies like Blazio, who shifted from offshore teams in Pakistan to nearshore teams in Latin America. The result? Not only did they save on costs, but they also saw performance improve across the board. Similarly, One Team 360 replaced their outsourced development team in India with one in Latin America, tripling their output while cutting costs in half. These aren't exceptions—they show how nearshoring, when done right, can truly transform a business.

The Lupa Approach to Nearshoring

One of the biggest challenges companies face when they explore nearshoring is knowing where to start. There's often a sense of diving into the unknown—figuring out which countries have the right talent, understanding market dynamics, and avoiding common mistakes. That's where Lupa's expertise makes all the difference.

Here's how we make nearshoring better:

• We know the market: We're not just outsiders looking in—we live and breathe the Latin American talent landscape. We know which countries and industries to target, and we're tapped into the local networks that allow us to find top talent faster than companies can on their own.
• We move fast: Our deep connections mean we can source candidates quickly and efficiently, often at a better price than what companies would get if they tried hiring on their own. And because we've done this hundreds of times, we know exactly how to streamline the process to avoid bottlenecks.
• We help you avoid mistakes: Think of us as your local guide. Just like you'd want someone with insider knowledge showing you around an unfamiliar city, you want someone who knows the ins and outs of hiring in Latin America. We help clients avoid common pitfalls and find the best people, often in less time and with fewer resources than if they were navigating the market alone.

How We Customize Nearshore Solutions

At Lupa, we know that no two businesses have the same goals when it comes to nearshoring. That's why our approach is fully customized, ensuring that each client gets exactly what they need. Here's how we do it:

• Understanding the client's focus: We first figure out what our clients are trying to optimize. Some want to improve the quality of their team without increasing costs, while others aim to save money by replacing certain roles. We tailor our approach based on whether the focus is on cost, quality, or both.
• Refining the recruitment process: It's not just about finding the right person—it's about attracting them. We help clients fine-tune their interview and selection processes, ensuring they can compete for and secure the best talent. From defining the role to structuring interviews, we make sure every step is aligned with the client's goals.
• Managing risk effectively: Different companies have different levels of risk tolerance. Some prefer contractors, while others want full-time employees, or even consider opening their own entity. We help align their risk profile with the right hiring strategy, ensuring the solution fits their comfort level and long-term goals.
• Listening and offering new ideas: We don't just follow a template—we listen closely to our clients' needs and often suggest options they might not have considered. Our experience helps us bring fresh ideas to the table, ensuring they get the most out of their nearshoring strategy.
• Avoiding common mistakes: With hundreds of clients and thousands of placements, we've seen it all. We use this experience to help clients avoid mistakes they don't need to make, guiding them to build the best team possible while keeping costs under control.
• Building for long-term growth: We're focused on helping clients build teams that not only meet their immediate needs but also grow with their company. The teams we help create are designed to stay engaged and evolve with the business over time.

Putting It All Together

Nearshoring is a powerful strategy for companies looking to stay competitive. The benefits are clear—top talent at lower costs, real-time collaboration, and long-term partnerships that help businesses scale efficiently.

At Lupa, we're more than just recruiters. We bridge the gap between U.S. companies and Latin American talent, helping you build a nearshoring strategy that drives growth. The longer we work with our clients, the better the results, as we tailor our approach to meet their specific needs.

If you've tried nearshore solutions before and they didn't work out, or if you're ready to give it a try for the first time, we're here to help. We've built entire strategies around nearshore for companies, and we'd love to do the same for you.