Horatio Climbs Inc. Ranks, Proving Its Human-AI Model in the Southeast

MIAMI, FL – March 31, 2026 – In a testament to its rapid and strategic expansion, modern outsourcing company Horatio has secured the No. 74 spot on the 2026 Inc. Regionals: Southeast list. The announcement from Inc. marks the company's first appearance in the highly competitive Southeast rankings and its fourth consecutive year of recognition across Inc.'s regional lists, signaling a successful push into new territories.

Horatio, which specializes in redefining customer experience (CX) and operational support, has built a reputation for partnering with high-growth companies. This latest accolade underscores a period of significant scaling for the firm, which has expanded its physical footprint into the Southeast.

"We are proud to be recognized in a new region as we continue to scale," said Jose Herrera, CEO and Co-Founder of Horatio. "Our growth is rooted in a simple belief that great customer experience starts with great people. As we expand our footprint across the Southeast and Latin America, we are doubling down on building world class teams, investing in technology, and delivering real operational impact for our partners."

A Catalyst for Regional Economic Growth

Horatio's inclusion on the list places it among an elite group of 182 private companies that have become economic powerhouses in the Southeast. Between 2022 and 2024, these companies achieved a remarkable median growth rate of 89 percent. More significantly, they collectively added over 12,000 jobs and contributed $3.4 billion to the region's economy, highlighting the vital role fast-growing businesses play in fostering prosperity.

The achievement is particularly noteworthy given the challenging economic climate of recent years. Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc., commented on the resilience of the honorees. "The honorees on this year's Inc. Regionals list achieved exceptional growth at a time when the odds were against them," Ghosh stated. "Amid inflation, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing economic uncertainty, they did not just persevere. They innovated, adapted, and thrived."

Horatio's expansion, including its office in Miami, reflects a strategic move into a region known for its dynamic business landscape. By establishing a presence and growing rapidly, the company is not only tapping into a new market but also contributing to its economic vitality through job creation and by providing essential support services that enable other high-growth brands to scale.

Beyond Bots: The Human-AI Hybrid Advantage

At the core of Horatio's success is a sophisticated hybrid model that blends artificial intelligence with a deeply ingrained 'employee-first' culture. Founded in 2018 by Jose Herrera, Jared Karson, and Alex Ross, the company has differentiated itself from traditional BPO providers by rejecting a purely automated or purely manual approach. Instead, it leverages AI-enabled systems to streamline repetitive tasks, empowering its human agents to focus on complex, high-empathy interactions that build lasting customer loyalty.

This philosophy is more than just a talking point; it's a core operational strategy. The company actively invests in its workforce, resulting in an industry-leading low annual staff turnover rate of just 2%. This stability ensures that clients are supported by experienced, dedicated teams who understand their brand intimately. It's a stark contrast to the high-churn environment often associated with the outsourcing industry.

Horatio's technological prowess is further evidenced by its strategic partnership with Ada, a leader in AI-powered customer service. This collaboration allows Horatio to deploy a powerful combination of automation and human expertise. For instance, in its work with the fast-growing brand Loop Earplugs, this hybrid strategy was instrumental in managing over 1,000 daily inbound tickets, reducing response times, and elevating the overall customer experience. This approach allows Horatio to not only manage but also optimize CX operations for its partners across e-commerce, fintech, healthcare, and technology.

A Proven Pattern of Sustained Momentum

While the Southeast ranking is a new milestone, it is part of a consistent pattern of high-velocity growth for Horatio. This marks the company's fourth consecutive year receiving a regional honor from Inc., having previously been a fixture on the Northeast list. This sustained momentum is further bolstered by national accolades, including a spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies and four straight years of recognition as an Inc. Power Partner.

This track record demonstrates a resilient and adaptable business model capable of thriving through economic shifts. To be eligible for the Inc. Regionals list, companies must demonstrate significant revenue growth over a two-year period—from a minimum of $100,000 in 2022 to at least $1 million in 2024. Horatio's ability to meet and exceed these rigorous criteria year after year speaks to a sound long-term strategy and a leadership team adept at navigating the complexities of the modern market.

With a global team of over 3,000 employees spread across offices in the U.S., the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Colombia, the company has built a robust international infrastructure to support its scaling partners. This foundation positions Horatio to continue its upward trajectory as it explores upcoming market launches and further investments across the Americas.

Fortifying Growth with Security and Trust

In an era where data privacy is paramount, Horatio has taken concrete steps to build a foundation of trust with its partners, particularly those in highly regulated industries like fintech and healthcare. The company holds an ISO/IEC 27001 certification, an internationally recognized standard for information security management. This certification is not merely a badge; it is a validation that Horatio's people, processes, and technology systems are designed to rigorously protect sensitive data, privacy, and client trust.

This commitment to security is a critical differentiator in the outsourcing space. For high-growth startups and enterprises entrusting their customer interactions and back-office operations to a third party, the assurance of data integrity is non-negotiable. By achieving this certification, Horatio demonstrates a level of operational maturity and a commitment to excellence that goes beyond CX metrics, reinforcing its role as a strategic and reliable partner for brands that handle sensitive information. As the company continues to expand its services and market presence, this focus on security will remain a cornerstone of its value proposition.