Mike Ryan has joined PLACE as executive vice president of business development, bringing nearly two decades of experience in real estate technology and consumer platforms. Ryan previously worked at OJO Labs and Lower, where he led efforts on the Movoto portal, a major property listing and search platform.
PLACE, a residential real estate technology company, aims to streamline transactions through its digital platform. Ryan's appointment signals the company's push to expand market reach and deepen partnerships with agents, brokers, and lenders. His background across multiple proptech firms positions him to identify growth opportunities in the competitive real estate software space.
At OJO Labs, Ryan gained exposure to AI-driven property valuation and lead generation tools that serve agents and brokers. His tenure at Lower, which operates Movoto, exposed him to consumer-facing listing platforms and the mechanics of connecting buyers with properties. These roles give him insight into both B2B and B2C models within residential real estate.
PLACE competes in a crowded market alongside Zillow, Redfin, and regional MLS platforms. The hiring reflects investor confidence in Ryan's ability to forge partnerships that could accelerate PLACE's customer acquisition and retention. For agents and brokers using or considering PLACE's platform, Ryan's appointment may signal new integrations, improved tools, or expanded geographic coverage.
The move comes as proptech companies face pressure to prove their value proposition. Lenders, agents, and brokers increasingly demand platforms that cut closing timelines and reduce friction. Ryan's track record suggests PLACE is betting on his relationships and strategic insight to position itself as a must-have partner in the transaction workflow.
For consumers, a stronger PLACE presence could mean more housing options appearing in one dashboard, easier comparison tools, and faster pathways from search to offer. For industry professionals, the hire suggests PLACE is scaling its business development team to embed itself deeper into