Harvard Grads Build WhatsApp Platform Connecting Hispanic Workers to US Jobs
- Founded by Colombian immigrants Stephanie Murra and Lorenza Vélez, Ponte Labor has placed nearly 800 workers and onboarded 60,000 candidates.
- The platform uses WhatsApp and AI-based interviews to pre-vet candidates with legal work authorization for hospitality industry jobs.
- Ponte recently secured $3 million in seed funding led by Harlem Capital at a $15 million valuation.
While studying at Harvard Business School, Colombian immigrants Stephanie Murra and Lorenza Vélez identified a critical disconnect: Hispanic immigrants struggled to find jobs despite a labor shortage in sectors like hospitality and construction.
The problem? Language barriers and unfamiliarity with traditional job boards created obstacles for immigrants, while employers couldn't fill essential positions. This realization led to the founding of Ponte Labor in April 2023.
"Employers in hospitality, construction, retail, and other blue-collar industries really struggle to fill hourly roles while millions of work-authorized Hispanic immigrants struggle to find stable jobs due to language and cultural barriers," explained Vélez.
The Miami-based startup's solution uses WhatsApp—the preferred communication channel for many Hispanic immigrants—combined with AI-powered pre-vetting and voice-based interviews.
The platform exclusively works with documented immigrants, verifying legal work authorization before connecting candidates with employers.
Since its November 2023 launch, Ponte has experienced rapid growth, onboarding over 60,000 candidates and placing nearly 800 workers in hospitality roles.
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The company now works with 14 employers, including Omni Hotels & Resorts and major hotel management companies like Pyramid Global.
The startup recently raised $3 million in seed funding led by Harlem Capital at a $15 million valuation, with participation from Better Tomorrow Ventures, The 81 Collection, and Wischoff Ventures.
Ponte generates revenue through a success-based model, charging employers 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 employer pays nothing.
Looking ahead, the founders aim to expand beyond entry-level placement to support career advancement, with a particular focus on English language acquisition—a key barrier to promotion for many immigrants.
Edited By Annette George
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