Ponte Labor Bridges Employment Gaps for Hispanic Immigrants

Ponte Labor, founded by Harvard MBAs Stephanie Murra and Lorenza Vélez, connects Hispanic immigrants with job opportunities in the U.S. Using AI and WhatsApp, the platform efficiently pre-vets and matches candidates, addressing language and cultural barriers. Ponte's success-based model benefits both employers and workers, exemplifying how technology can empower immigrant communities and address labor shortages.

Stephanie Murra and Lorenza Vélez, while pursuing their MBAs at Harvard Business School, identified a significant challenge faced by Hispanic immigrants in the U.S. Many of these individuals, despite being legally authorized to work, struggle to secure employment due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with traditional job-seeking methods. Recognizing the U.S. labor shortage, particularly in industries like hospitality and construction, Murra and Vélez founded Ponte Labor in April 2023 to address this gap.

Ponte Labor is a Miami-based startup that leverages technology to connect Hispanic immigrants with job opportunities. The platform pre-vets, matches, and onboards workers more efficiently than traditional methods. Unlike staffing agencies, Ponte facilitates direct hiring by employers, which reduces costs and expands the pool of potential employees. This approach not only benefits employers but also opens up job opportunities for immigrants who might otherwise find them inaccessible.

The startup has developed an in-house AI recruiter that utilizes WhatsApp and voice-based AI interviews to pre-vet candidates. Initially focusing on the hospitality sector, Ponte plans to expand into other industries like construction and elder care. Since its formal launch in November 2023, Ponte has onboarded over 60,000 candidates and placed nearly 800 workers in hospitality roles. The company has experienced significant revenue growth, from $70,000 in February 2024 to $550,000 today, and operates with high contribution margins, making it scalable.

Ponte's revenue model is success-based, charging a monthly fee equivalent to 10% of a worker's monthly salary for up to 12 months. If a worker leaves within the first month, the employer pays nothing. The startup has raised $3 million in a seed round led by Harlem Capital, with participation from Better Tomorrow Ventures, The 81 Collection, and Wischoff Ventures.

The platform's focus on Hispanic immigrants, who make up a significant portion of the U.S. foreign-born labor force, is a key differentiator. By using WhatsApp and placing ads on Spanish-language social media, Ponte has built trust within the community. The founders aim to help immigrants not only find entry-level jobs but also advance in their careers, with plans to support English language learning.

QuarkyByte recognizes the innovative approach of Ponte Labor in addressing labor market challenges. By leveraging AI and understanding cultural nuances, Ponte is setting a precedent for how technology can facilitate workforce integration. As Ponte continues to grow, it exemplifies how targeted solutions can empower immigrant communities and address labor shortages in critical industries.