Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Altenburg
Hi Daniel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Mike Lenny and I, the co-founders of Zipdev, first met while living in Lima, Peru, where we earned each other’s trust playing rugby and traveling around Latin America together. Zipdev was born after we had both moved back to San Diego, when Mike asked me for help finding solid software engineers to help develop an app he wanted to build.
At first, we struggled to find the right option. Trying to build out a full software development team in California was costly, and a couple of false starts with teams in disparate time zones were discouraging. But soon, we realized that we had a resource that we knew well right in our own backyard: Latin America.
So after much searching and relationship-building, Mike and I found some very talented software engineers to work with. We then spread the word about our experience with members of the San Diego startup community, some of whom convinced us to start Zipdev and became our first customers in 2015.
Since then, Zipdev has grown to provide clients across the US and Canada with access to Latin America’s top remote talent.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting Zipdev has certainly had its share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles we faced early on was the concept of remote team members. When we started, the idea of having remote employees was still quite novel. Most companies were firmly rooted in the belief that employees needed to work “in-house” to be effective. This made our initial sales efforts challenging, as we had to not only sell our services but also educate potential clients on the benefits and feasibility of remote work. It was a tough sell since only a few startups and tech companies were open to the idea at that time.
However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it fundamentally changed the way businesses operate. Suddenly, remote work became a necessity rather than an option. This shift helped validate our business model and underscored the value of having a flexible, remote workforce.
Another challenge we’ve faced is balancing our skill sets. Mike and I have our areas of expertise—I’m deeply involved in recruiting, fostering company culture, and managing big relationships, while Mike excels in financials, operations, and enjoys exploring research and development. While this complementary dynamic is a strength, it has also highlighted our limitations, particularly in areas like marketing. We are not marketers by trade, which has sometimes made it difficult to effectively communicate our brand and attract new clients.
Despite these challenges, we’ve learned to adapt and grow. We’ve brought in external expertise when needed and continuously refined our approach to better serve our clients. The journey has certainly had its bumps, but these obstacles have only made us more resilient and innovative as a company.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Zipdev is a nearshore staffing company that specializes in connecting employers in the US and Canada with top remote professionals from Latin America. Our mission is to provide clients with access to Latin America’s top remote talent while offering our team members rewarding and life-changing career opportunities.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to both our clients and our employees. For our clients, we offer a comprehensive suite of remote talent solutions that cover the entire lifecycle of talent acquisition and management. From finding and vetting top talent to ensuring seamless integration into existing workflows, we provide ongoing support and resources to help our clients build and scale high-performing remote teams. This dedication to excellence ensures that businesses across various industries can access the best remote professionals who drive innovation, efficiency, and growth.
One aspect we are particularly proud of is the positive impact we have on our employees’ lives. Many of our team members have shared that Zipdev is one of the best places they have ever worked. The opportunities we provide allow them to significantly improve their quality of life. They can spend more time with their families, invest more in their local economies, and enjoy greater financial stability. This not only enhances their personal lives but also strengthens the communities they are part of.
On the flip side, our clients benefit immensely from the incredible talent pool in Latin America. They gain access to highly skilled, cost-effective, and culturally aligned remote professionals who are ready to make a lasting impact on their businesses. By partnering with Zipdev, companies can navigate the complexities of remote work with ease and focus on what they do best—driving their businesses forward.
We are known for our rigorous multi-dimensional vetting process, which ensures that every candidate we recommend is not only technically proficient but also a perfect cultural fit for our clients. Our unique position, with leadership based in the U.S. and dedicated recruiters on the ground in Latin America, gives us unparalleled local expertise and allows us to respond rapidly and effectively to our clients’ needs.
At Zipdev, we believe in doing good work, communicating well, being team players, staying authentic, being accountable, and always learning. These core values drive everything we do and help us maintain a strong, cohesive, and positive company culture.
In essence, Zipdev is not just a staffing company; we are a transformative force in the remote work landscape. We empower businesses with exceptional talent while providing our team members with opportunities that change their lives for the better. This dual commitment to our clients and employees is what truly sets us apart.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Yes, there’s so much more to share about Zipdev! One of the things that truly sets us apart is the breadth of roles we recruit for. Whether you need a Virtual Assistant, Technical Lead, Marketing Assistant, or Financial Analyst, we have the expertise and network to find the perfect match for your needs. Our goal is to help businesses scale up effectively by providing top-tier remote talent across a wide range of positions.
Even though Zipdev is experiencing significant growth, we maintain the small company vibes that our clients and team members love. We value personal connections and often enjoy meeting our clients in person, sharing a meal, and getting to know them on a deeper level. This approach helps us understand their unique needs and ensures we provide tailored, high-quality service.
At the end of the day, we are all about having fun while delivering exceptional results. We believe that a positive, enjoyable work environment translates into better service for our clients and a more fulfilling experience for our team members. We’re passionate about what we do and are always excited to help businesses succeed by connecting them with the incredible talent in Latin America.
If you’re looking to scale up your team and want to work with a company that values relationships and delivers outstanding results, we’d love to chat. Zipdev is here to help you navigate the remote staffing landscape with ease and confidence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zipdev.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zipdev_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zipdev/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/zipdev
