KC-built Buzz acquired by Vegas tech company hoping to solve AI’s ‘last mile’ challenge in property management

A leading property tech company is placing its bet on the Kansas City-built rent collections platform that Buzz brings to the table, announcing the AI-driven startup’s acquisition Tuesday by Las Vegas-based Pay Ready.

The potential for artificial intelligence’s use in an industry historically is limited by the way tech collides with humans, said serial entrepreneur Jake Lisby, CEO of Buzz, noting that adoption requires transforming intelligent insights into actionable results for real people.

Financial details of the Pay Ready deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition is expected to integrate Pay Ready’s extensive data foundation and robust infrastructure with Buzz’s specialized AI technology, which is trained to understand the nuanced behaviors and unique challenges specific to property management.

The Kansas City startup’s founder — previously president of Simplifyy — is pumped to be part of building a new story with Pay Ready, he said.

“In technology, solving the ‘last mile’ has always meant bridging sophisticated insights with meaningful real-world actions,” Lisby said, explaining Buzz’s value proposition for an industry leader like its acquiring company. “Joining Pay Ready empowers our AI technology with unparalleled industry data and infrastructure, delivering precisely timed, contextually aware interactions that not only solve operational challenges but also foster deeper connections with residents. Together, we’re setting a new standard for intelligent, proactive property management.”

Lisby — now “Chief AI Officer” for Pay Ready — and his team have already joined the Las Vegas-headquartered operation, but will continue working remotely.

Jake Lisby and Lynn Musil celebrating the Buzz acquisition by Pay Ready; photo courtesy of Pay Ready

Buzz’s AI models distinguish themselves by their specialized training on industry-specific behaviors, enabling property management teams to swiftly anticipate resident needs, proactively address potential delinquencies, and seamlessly integrate predictive insights into daily operational workflows, said Lynn Musil, CEO of Pay Ready.

“The promise of AI has always been enormous, but the real value comes from effectively translating insights into meaningful interactions and results,” he said. “This acquisition isn’t just about technology; it’s about delivering a more personalized, impactful experience at every resident touchpoint.”

Both companies share a deep cultural alignment rooted in transparency, authenticity, and practical problem-solving, Musil continued.

“At our core, Pay Ready and Buzz are teams of dedicated individuals who value honesty about what AI can realistically achieve, and we openly acknowledge the challenges involved in properly building, training, and deploying effective AI solutions,” he said. “We’re two teams that genuinely enjoy creating innovative, impactful technology, and we share an enthusiasm for solving complex industry challenges through collaboration.”

Early analysis suggests properties adopting this integrated Buzz-Pay Ready solution can expect a significant reduction in operational costs, projected around 25 percent, alongside an estimated 15 percent increase in resident retention rates, Musil said. These improvements stem from the platform’s ability to generate targeted, timely, and personalized resident interventions, he added.