Summary:
Ponte Labor connects Hispanic immigrants to job opportunities using WhatsApp.
Stephanie Murra and Lorenza Vélez founded the startup to address labor shortages in the U.S.
The platform pre-vets and matches workers, saving employers money and providing access to jobs.
Since launch, Ponte has onboarded over 60,000 candidates and placed nearly 800 workers.
The startup raised a $3 million seed round, achieving a $15 million valuation.
Bridging the Gap for Hispanic Immigrants
While pursuing their MBAs at Harvard Business School, Colombian immigrants Stephanie Murra and Lorenza Vélez observed a significant challenge faced by Hispanic workers: finding jobs in the U.S. due to language barriers. Many of these workers, primarily employed in cafeterias, struggled to secure positions because they often lacked English proficiency and were unfamiliar with the technology used in traditional job applications.
The Birth of Ponte Labor
Recognizing the labor shortage in the U.S., particularly for low-skilled positions, Murra and Vélez founded Ponte Labor in April 2023. Their startup aims to connect legally authorized Hispanic immigrants with job opportunities in industries like hospitality, construction, and retail. They leverage WhatsApp, the preferred communication channel for many immigrants, to facilitate the hiring process.
Innovative Hiring Platform
Ponte Labor's platform pre-vets, matches, and onboards workers more efficiently than traditional methods. Employers can hire candidates directly, saving costs and gaining access to a wider talent pool. This model not only benefits employers but also provides workers with access to job opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Each candidate is pre-vetted for legal work authorization before being presented to employers.
Rapid Growth and Success
Since launching in November 2023, Ponte has onboarded over 60,000 candidates and placed nearly 800 workers in hospitality roles, achieving an annualized net revenue growth from $70,000 to $550,000. The startup recently raised a $3 million seed round, boosting its valuation to $15 million.
A Focus on Community
With over 95% of its candidates being Hispanic immigrants, Ponte has built trust within the community by tailoring its approach to their specific needs. The founders aim to not only help these workers find jobs but also assist them in achieving their professional goals, including learning English to enhance their career growth.
Looking Ahead
Ponte plans to expand beyond hospitality into other sectors such as construction and elder care. The founders envision creating tools that cater to diverse immigrant communities, ensuring that their platform remains language-agnostic. Their ultimate goal is to empower Hispanic immigrants in the U.S. to achieve their professional aspirations and break through barriers to advancement.
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