Ponte

Ponte operates as a mission-driven talent marketplace, specifically addressing the labor shortages within the U.S. hospitality industry by connecting work-authorized immigrants with hourly jobs. Founded in 2023 by Colombian immigrants and Harvard Business School graduates Lorenza Vélez and Stephanie Murra, the company was born from their firsthand observations of the difficulties Hispanic workers faced in securing employment despite high demand from employers. This personal experience shaped Ponte's focus on creating a more inclusive and efficient hiring ecosystem.

The company's business model is distinct from traditional staffing agencies; employers hire candidates directly, and Ponte charges a success-based fee only when a placement is made. There are no upfront costs or subscriptions for employers to post jobs on the platform. This model includes a guarantee, offering a 100% credit for a future hire if an employee leaves before a specified ramp-up period. Ponte's client base includes prominent hospitality groups such as Hyatt, Omni Hotels, and Atrium Hospitality.

Ponte's service is designed to streamline the recruitment process for front-line, hourly positions like housekeeping and kitchen staff. It leverages a combination of AI-powered tools and human support, communicating with its talent pool primarily through WhatsApp, a preferred channel for many Hispanic immigrants. The platform manages sourcing, pre-vetting through a questionnaire and video interview, interview scheduling, and assists candidates with onboarding paperwork. This approach provides employers with access to a talent pool they might not reach through conventional job boards and reduces the average time to hire. For job seekers, Ponte offers a fully supported process in Spanish, including assistance with applications, interviews, and translation, all free of charge.

Since its launch, the Miami-based startup has onboarded over 60,000 candidates and placed nearly 800 workers across 69 cities. In April 2025, Ponte announced a $3 million seed funding round led by Harlem Capital, with participation from Better Tomorrow Ventures, 81Collection, and Wischoff Ventures, bringing its total funding to $5 million. This investment is intended to fuel nationwide expansion and extend its services into other high-demand sectors.

Keywords: hospitality staffing, immigrant workforce, hourly jobs, labor marketplace, direct hire, recruitment platform, Hispanic workers, restaurant staffing, hotel jobs, workforce solutions, talent acquisition, success-based hiring, inclusive hiring, vetted candidates, WhatsApp recruiting, US labor shortage, hourly worker recruitment, front-line staff, entry-level jobs, hospitality HR