While studying at Harvard Business School, Colombian students Stephanie Murra and Lorenza Vélez noticed that most of the workers in the university cafeteria were Hispanic. Through conversations with them, they discovered a common challenge: immigrants struggled to find their first jobs in the U.S. due to language barriers. Not speaking English was the biggest obstacle in the process.
At the same time, the U.S. was experiencing labor shortages in these sectors. This realization led them to create Ponte Labor, a startup dedicated to matching Hispanic immigrants with jobs.
How Does the Hiring Process Work?
Ponte Labor connects Hispanic immigrants with employers via WhatsApp. The startup’s AI-powered recruitment system pre-vets candidates and conducts voice-based interviews. Only legally authorized workers are considered for job placements.
This approach makes the hiring process more accessible and convenient for job seekers. Many Hispanic immigrants struggle with traditional job listing platforms like Indeed and find online applications overwhelming. By using WhatsApp, Ponte Labor simplifies the process and helps immigrants secure employment.
Partnerships with Major Employers & Funding
Since its launch in November 2023, Ponte Labor has registered over 60,000 candidates and placed 800 workers in hospitality jobs.
The startup collaborates with major companies such as Omni Hotels & Resorts, Pyramid Global, Peachtree Hotel Group, and Atrium Hospitality. Ponte Labor has experienced rapid growth, securing $3 million in investment funding from key investors, including Harlem Capital. The startup charges employers a monthly service fee of 10% of the worker’s salary. If a worker leaves within the first month, the employer pays nothing.
Future Plans
Currently focused on the hospitality sector, Ponte Labor plans to expand into industries such as construction and elder care. The company also aims to introduce English language training programs to improve job opportunities for Hispanic immigrants. Harlem Capital’s Managing Partner, Henri Pierre-Jacques, highlighted that Ponte Labor stands out in the immigrant job market and effectively addresses a major issue by integrating WhatsApp into the recruitment process.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Hispanic immigrants made up 47.6% of the foreign-born labor force in the U.S. in 2023. This statistic underscores the vast potential of Ponte Labor’s impact.
