Meet Ponte Labor, a startup matching Hispanic immigrants to jobs using WhatsApp
“It was heartbreaking to hear their stories,” Murra recalled. “Many of them were eager to work but felt lost because they didn’t speak English well or at all.”
At the same time, the U.S. was experiencing a severe labor shortage, particularly in industries that typically employ immigrant workers. “We kept seeing headlines about businesses struggling to fill jobs,” Murra told TechCrunch. “We realized there was a major disconnect.”
A Simple Yet Powerful Solution
As the two roommates dug deeper, they found that many employers relied on traditional job platforms like Indeed—platforms that weren’t built for non-English speakers unfamiliar with online applications. “Most Hispanic immigrants don’t search for jobs that way,” Murra explained. “They rely on word-of-mouth, asking friends or community members.”
Seeing an opportunity to bridge this gap, Murra and Vélez founded Ponte Labor in April 2023, right before graduating. Their Miami-based startup connects Hispanic immigrants to employers using a tool they already trust—WhatsApp.
“We know where to find the workers, how to speak their language, and what platforms they feel comfortable using,” Vélez said. “So we built Ponte to be that bridge.”
How Ponte Works
Ponte Labor streamlines the hiring process by pre-vetting and matching legally authorized workers with employers. Unlike staffing agencies, Ponte directly connects workers to businesses, helping employers save money while giving job seekers access to opportunities they might never have found otherwise.
“Many of these workers are hardworking and skilled, but they struggle with applications and English interviews,” Vélez said. “We take that stress away and make the process easier.”
The startup ensures that all candidates have legal work authorization before they are presented to employers. Their AI-driven hiring system conducts initial screening via WhatsApp and voice-based AI interviews, making it simple and accessible.
Fast Growth and Big Plans
Since its formal launch in November 2023, Ponte has gained serious momentum. More than 60,000 job seekers have signed up, with nearly 800 placed in hospitality roles so far. Revenue has skyrocketed from $70,000 in February 2024 to $550,000 today. While the company isn’t profitable yet, it operates with strong margins and has burned less than $1 million to date.
Ponte has already partnered with major employers like Omni Hotels & Resorts and large hotel management groups such as Pyramid Global, Peachtree Hotel Group, and Atrium Hospitality.
Investors have taken notice. The startup recently secured $3 million in seed funding from Harlem Capital, with support from Better Tomorrow Ventures, The 81 Collection, and Wischoff Ventures. This brings their total funding to $4.5 million.
A Bigger Mission Than Just Jobs
While Ponte is currently focused on the hospitality industry, its founders have bigger ambitions. They plan to expand into construction, elder care, and other industries where Hispanic immigrants often struggle to find work.
Their ultimate goal isn’t just job placement—it’s career growth. “Finding that first job is just step one,” Vélez explained. “We want to help them move up, gain skills, and eventually secure better opportunities.”
One of the biggest barriers? Learning English. Vélez sees this as a critical step in helping immigrants climb the career ladder. “Many workers get stuck because they don’t speak English well enough to get promoted. We want to help change that.”
Why Ponte Stands Out
Investors believe Ponte’s deep understanding of the Hispanic immigrant workforce gives it a huge advantage. Henri Pierre-Jacques, managing partner at Harlem Capital, has been following Murra and Vélez’s journey from the beginning.
“These two founders aren’t just business partners—they were colleagues, roommates, and now co-founders,” he said. “They’ve built something with real traction in a short amount of time. And their approach—using WhatsApp, speaking directly to workers in Spanish—sets them apart.”
The numbers back it up. In 2023, nearly 48% of the U.S. foreign-born workforce was Hispanic, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Ponte is tapping into a massive and growing labor force that has long been underserved by traditional hiring platforms.
“We’re not just building a hiring platform,” Murra said. “We’re building a bridge to opportunity—one that makes sure hardworking immigrants can find good jobs, support their families, and build a future in the U.S.”
With their rapid growth, investor backing, and a mission that resonates, Ponte Labor is proving that sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest ones.
