The U.S. labor market is facing an unprecedented challenge – more than eight million unfilled jobs and a dwindling supply of workers. Meanwhile, the Hispanic community is expected to drive over 80% of net new workforce growth this decade, yet no major hiring solutions have been designed specifically for this demographic.

Enter Ponte Labor, a game-changing platform designed to match Hispanic immigrants with their dream jobs, starting with the hospitality industry.

Harlem Capital is proud to lead Ponte’s $3 million seed round, alongside Better Tomorrow Ventures, 81Collection, and Wischoff Ventures. We believe Ponte is redefining the future of hiring while empowering an overlooked yet critical workforce.

Breaking Barriers in Hiring

Traditional hiring platforms weren’t built with Hispanic immigrants in mind. Language barriers, lack of accessible communication channels, and complex application processes create unnecessary friction for job seekers and employers.

Ponte eliminates these roadblocks.

• 60,000+ job seekers onboarded
• AI-driven job matching tailored for the community
• WhatsApp-powered hiring—leveraging the preferred communication tool of Hispanic immigrants
• Streamlined employer access to a previously hard-to-reach talent pool

“For employers, this means access to a vast, often overlooked talent pool and a streamlined hiring process that eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional recruitment methods,” explains Ponte co-founder Lorenza Vélez.

A Mission Rooted in Personal Experience

Ponte’s founders, Stephanie Murra and Lorenza Vélez, both Colombian immigrants, saw firsthand how difficult it was for Hispanic workers to secure jobs – despite the labor shortages making headlines.

“It was shocking to hear so many people say that finding work felt impossible,” says Stephanie. “At the same time, employers were desperate to hire. We knew something had to change.”

Since its launch, Ponte has focused on industries hit hardest by labor shortages, starting with hospitality. The platform has already placed 800 workers in entry-level roles, from housekeeping to culinary positions, and is now expanding into other high-demand sectors.

Investor Confidence & Market Traction

Ponte first caught our attention as part of The Mint, Better Tomorrow Ventures’ accelerator cohort. Their growth since then has been nothing short of impressive.

“I met the Ponte team in 2023 and followed their journey as they built the company from Miami,” says Henri Pierre-Jacques, Managing Partner at Harlem Capital. “Stephanie and Lorenza’s progress over the past year has been remarkable. We believe in their mission and are proud to lead their Seed round.”

“From day one, Ponte stood out as a clear solution to an urgent problem,” adds Jake Gibson, Partner at Better Tomorrow Ventures. “Their deep understanding of the community they serve, paired with their innovative approach, made backing Ponte a very easy decision.”

Beyond Job Matching: A Pathway to Economic Mobility

Ponte isn’t just filling vacancies – it’s empowering Hispanic immigrants for long-term success. The platform provides:

✔ Pre-vetting services for job seekers

✔ Automated interview scheduling

✔ Hiring paperwork management

✔ Ongoing career support to ensure retention and advancement

“We’re not just building a platform,” says Stephanie Murra. “We’re creating a company that helps Hispanic immigrants achieve their professional aspirations. Today, our focus is on entry-level jobs, but our vision is to support workers as they advance and thrive.”

The Future of Hiring, Redefined

With the support of Harlem Capital, Better Tomorrow Ventures, and other investors, Ponte is scaling rapidly to tackle the labor shortage nationwide.

By merging cutting-edge technology with deep cultural insight, Ponte is revolutionizing how businesses attract, hire, and retain talent – while creating meaningful economic opportunities for Hispanic workers.

As Ponte expands, one thing is clear: the future of hiring isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about building a stronger, more inclusive workforce.

About Harlem Capital

Harlem Capital (HCP) is an early-stage, diversity-focused venture capital firm. HCP makes initial investments of $1M to $2.5M in U.S. seed rounds for 10-15% ownership.

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