Discover Ponte Labor: Revolutionizing Job Matching for Hispanic Immigrants via WhatsApp
During their MBA journey at Harvard Business School, Colombian immigrants Stephanie Murra and Lorenza Vélez identified a significant challenge facing Hispanic immigrants in the U.S. — the difficulty in securing their first jobs. This revelation led to the creation of Ponte Labor, a platform dedicated to bridging the employment gap for Spanish-speaking workers.
The Challenge Faced by Hispanic Immigrants
While studying at Harvard, Murra and Vélez observed that many cafeteria workers were Hispanic immigrants struggling to find stable employment. The most prominent hurdle? A lack of proficiency in English, which made it challenging for them to navigate traditional job boards like Indeed.
- Many potential employers rely on job boards that don’t cater to non-English speakers.
- Workers often depend on personal networks to find job opportunities.
- Online applications can be intimidating for individuals with limited English skills.
Introducing Ponte Labor
In April 2023, during their final semester at Harvard, Murra and Vélez launched Ponte Labor in Miami. The startup aims to address the labor shortage in sectors such as hospitality, construction, and retail by connecting employers with legally authorized Hispanic immigrants.
How Ponte Labor Works
Ponte Labor pre-vets, matches, and onboard hourly workers more efficiently than traditional hiring methods. Here’s how:
- Direct Hiring: Workers are hired directly by employers, not through staffing agencies, allowing for a more extensive pool of candidates.
- Pre-Vetted Candidates: Only documented immigrants are considered, ensuring legal work authorization.
- AI Recruitment: An in-house AI recruiter conducts pre-vetting through WhatsApp and voice-based interviews.
Rapid Growth and Future Plans
Since its official launch in November 2023, Ponte Labor has onboarded over 60,000 candidates and placed nearly 800 workers in hospitality roles. The startup’s annualized net revenue has surged from $70,000 in February 2024 to $550,000 today, although it is not yet profitable.
Ponte has collaborated with notable employers such as Omni Hotels & Resorts and Pyramid Global. Recently, the startup secured a $3 million seed funding round led by Harlem Capital, valuing the company at $15 million.
Revenue Model
Ponte Labor employs a success-based revenue model, charging a monthly fee equivalent to 10% of a worker’s salary for up to 12 months. If a worker leaves within the first month, the hotel incurs no charges.
Community Engagement and Future Aspirations
With a strong focus on the Hispanic community, Ponte’s hiring and social media strategies are primarily conducted in Spanish, resulting in over 95% of its candidates being Hispanic immigrants. The founders are committed to expanding their tools to serve other immigrant communities as well, including Portuguese-speaking Brazilians.
Looking ahead, the goal of Ponte Labor is to not only help Hispanic immigrants find entry-level positions but also to support their professional growth. “We see significant opportunities in helping candidates learn English, as it plays a crucial role in their career advancement,” Vélez stated.
Industry Insights
Henri Pierre-Jacques, managing partner of Harlem Capital, praised Murra and Vélez for their innovative approach and strong traction in the market. “Their focus on Hispanic hospitality workers is a major differentiator,” he noted. As of 2023, Hispanics constituted nearly 47.6% of the foreign-born labor force in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
In summary, Ponte Labor is paving the way for Hispanic immigrants to overcome employment barriers and achieve their professional aspirations in the U.S.
