Finding a job as a newly arrived immigrant in the U.S. is challenging, especially for those who don’t speak English fluently. But while many Hispanic immigrants struggle to land stable employment, industries like hospitality, construction, and retail face major labor shortages. That’s where Ponte Labor comes in.
Bridging the Gap Between Workers and Employers
Founded in April 2023 by Stephanie Murra and Lorenza Vélez, two Colombian immigrants and Harvard Business School graduates, Ponte Labor is revolutionizing how Spanish-speaking immigrants find jobs. The Miami-based startup simplifies hiring by connecting legally authorized workers with employers through WhatsApp, their preferred communication platform.
The traditional job search process is daunting for immigrants, especially when job boards like Indeed aren’t designed for non-English speakers. Many rely on word-of-mouth referrals, but Ponte Labor modernizes this approach by using AI-powered pre-vetting, matching, and onboarding via WhatsApp.
How Ponte Labor Works
Ponte Labor operates as an AI recruiter, streamlining the hiring process for both job seekers and employers. The platform pre-vets candidates, ensuring they have legal work authorization, and then matches them with available jobs. Instead of dealing with complex online applications or intimidating English-language interviews, workers simply interact with Ponte’s WhatsApp-based system.
Employers benefit too. Rather than relying on costly staffing agencies, they can hire workers directly at a lower cost. Currently, Ponte Labor works with 14 employers, including Omni Hotels & Resorts, Pyramid Global, Peachtree Hotel Group, and Atrium Hospitality.
Fast Growth and New Funding
Since its official launch in November 2023, Ponte Labor has already onboarded 60,000 candidates and placed nearly 800 workers in hospitality roles. Their annualized net revenue skyrocketed from $70,000 in February 2024 to $550,000 today.
The startup recently secured a $3 million seed round led by Harlem Capital, bringing their valuation to $15 million. Other investors include Better Tomorrow Ventures, The 81 Collection, and Wischoff Ventures. Previously, Ponte raised $1.5 million from accelerator programs like NFX’s FAST Competition and The Mint.
A Unique Revenue Model
Unlike staffing agencies, Ponte Labor operates on a success-based model. Employers pay a monthly fee of 10% of a worker’s salary for up to 12 months. If the worker leaves within the first month, the employer pays nothing. This structure aligns incentives and makes hiring more cost-effective.
Future Plans: Expanding Beyond Hospitality
Currently focused on the hospitality industry, Ponte Labor plans to expand into construction and elder care. The company is also exploring ways to help workers advance their careers, including English learning programs to improve job mobility.
While 95% of Ponte’s users are Hispanic immigrants, its language-agnostic tools could soon support Portuguese-speaking Brazilians and other immigrant communities. The startup’s mission remains clear: to help Hispanic immigrants in the U.S. not only find jobs but build careers.
The Power of WhatsApp in Recruiting
Ponte Labor’s success highlights the importance of meeting workers where they are. By leveraging WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, the company has built trust within immigrant communities, ensuring job seekers feel comfortable using their platform.
With the ongoing labor shortage and the growing Hispanic workforce—nearly 48% of the foreign-born labor force in 2023—the demand for Ponte Labor’s solution will only increase. Backed by strong investors and rapid growth, the startup is well-positioned to become a game-changer in the employment market.
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