Introduction

In the hallowed halls of Harvard Business School, two Colombian immigrants, Stephanie Murra and Lorenza Vélez, uncovered a pressing issue that plagues the U.S. job market: the significant hurdles Hispanic immigrants face in securing employment.

Observing the majority of cafeteria workers were Hispanic and engaging them in conversations, the duo quickly identified a common barrier—language. Many of these immigrants struggle to communicate in English, which complicates their job search efforts and often leads to frustration.

Identifying the Opportunity

Amidst the growing cries of an unprecedented labor shortage in the U.S., particularly in sectors typically filled by low-skilled workers, Murra realized there was a unique opportunity. "We thought, ‘there's clearly a disconnect here,’” she shared during an interview with TechCrunch.

After conducting thorough research, it became evident that conventional job platforms like Indeed weren’t catering to these workers. Murra pointed out that Hispanic immigrants, who often don’t possess strong technological skills, prefer finding jobs through personal connections rather than navigating complex online applications—an intimidating process compounded by language barriers.

The Birth of Ponte Labor

Thus, Ponte Labor was born. Founded in April 2023 during their final semester at Harvard, Murra and Vélez tapped into their backgrounds in fintech, having previously collaborated at Colombian startup Addi, to create a solution. "Employers in industries like hospitality, construction, and retail struggle to fill roles while work-authorized Hispanic immigrants battle for stable jobs,” explains Vélez.

Recognizing this gap, Ponte connects these immigrants with employers directly using WhatsApp—their preferred communication tool—creating a bridge for better workforce integration.

Innovative Hiring Platform

Ponte Labor’s innovative hiring platform pre-screens candidates, ensuring that only documented workers with legal authorization reach potential employers. By streamlining the hiring process, they aim to tackle both the labor shortage and empower immigrants with access to job opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.

Impressive Growth and Revenue

In a short span since its launch, Ponte has made impressive strides, growing its candidate base to over 60,000 and successfully placing nearly 800 workers in hospitality roles. They've seen a significant surge in revenue, from $70,000 in February 2024 to a staggering $550,000 today, despite still operating at a loss—a testament to their scalable business model.

Notable companies such as Omni Hotels & Resorts and major hotel management firms like Pyramid Global and Atrium Hospitality are now leveraging Ponte’s platform to find workers efficiently.

Funding and Revenue Model

Recently, the startup raised a $3 million seed round led by Harlem Capital, underlining the confidence investors have in their mission and potential.

What’s more, Ponte Labor's revenue model is uniquely structured around success. They charge employers a fee equivalent to 10% of a worker's salary for up to a year, improving employer buy-in as they only pay if they hire candidates who stay beyond the first month.

Community Focus and Accessibility

Focusing primarily on the Hispanic community, Ponte has effectively built trust and rapport, with over 95% of their candidates coming from this demographic. The startup’s communications and recruitment channels are designed in Spanish, ensuring accessibility.

They also use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reach workers in their native language, a strategy that resonates within the community.

Future Aspirations

As Ponte Labor continues on its path of growth, Murra and Vélez are not just aiming to connect immigrants to entry-level positions. They have larger aspirations—to facilitate professional growth for these individuals and assist them in learning English, which can be a game-changer for career advancement.

Industry Recognition

Henri Pierre-Jacques, a managing partner at Harlem Capital, noted the exceptional focus Ponte has on Hispanic hospitality workers is a huge differentiator. "Their integration of WhatsApp into the recruiting process aligns perfectly with how this community communicates and operates," he said.

Conclusion

What does the future hold for Ponte Labor? With plans to extend their services beyond hospitality into sectors like construction and elder care, this startup seems poised to make waves in the way immigrant candidates find jobs—and how employers can discover untapped talent.

As Murra succinctly puts it, "We want to create a place where Hispanic immigrants in the U.S. can not only find jobs but thrive in their careers." Ponte Labor is more than just a job placement service; it’s a lifeline for many seeking new beginnings in the Land of Opportunity.

Stay tuned, because this startup story is just getting started!