Enterprise Ireland funding is helping Kilkenny hotel-tech startup Levels take its revenue intelligence platform to more independent hotels across Ireland. The company has secured €100,000 through Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund ahead of its official launch on 4 November 2026.
Founded in July 2025 by actuary Shane Doherty and software engineer Micheál Dunne, Levels provides independent hotels with data-led tools to improve room pricing, increase occupancy and protect profit margins. The startup already has 20 Irish hotels signed up, including the Armada Hotel, Parknasilla Resort & Spa, Fernhill Hotel & Estate and Kinsale Hotel & Spa.
Enterprise Ireland funding supports hotel revenue platform
Levels combines demand forecasting with automated pricing recommendations. Its actuarial model assesses expected demand and suggests an appropriate rate for every hotel room across a 365-day period.
The platform is designed for independent properties that may not have the time, specialist staff or sophisticated systems used by larger hotel groups. When demand for a particular night is expected to be weak, Levels can issue targeted offers through The Guest Community, its own guest network.
- Hotels receive pricing recommendations for future room sales.
- Targeted offers can help fill quieter nights.
- The Guest Community charges a 5% commission.
- Hotels receive 2.5% commission on future bookings made by guests they introduce.
According to the company, this model offers an alternative to online travel agency commissions, which can range from 15% to 25%.
Irish hotel startup builds early customer traction
Before developing the platform, the Levels team spoke with more than 40 hoteliers. Their research identified two recurring challenges: independent hotels often lacked the tools to optimise room rates daily, while also facing significant commission costs from external booking channels.
Levels has received four awards during its first year, including the South-East regional award at the National Enterprise Awards and the Kilkenny County Enterprise Award for 2026. Customer feedback cited in the announcement also points to improvements in occupancy and revenue at participating properties.
Leadership experience behind the business
Chief executive Shane Doherty spent nine years developing forecasting and pricing models during his actuarial career. Chief technology officer Micheál Dunne previously spent six years building enterprise software for multinational companies in Dublin.
Enterprise Ireland said the founders bring strong technical and commercial expertise to a significant challenge for independent hotels. The agency also highlighted the startup’s early customer traction and potential for international growth.
Levels prepares for UK expansion
The €100,000 investment will support wider deployment across Ireland, further platform integrations and preparations for a planned move into the UK market in 2027.
Levels will officially launch at the River Court Hotel in Kilkenny at noon on Wednesday, 4 November. The company is also hiring a Business Development Executive, with information available through its website.
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What the investment means for independent hotels
The Levels announcement reflects the growing role of technology in Irish hospitality. For smaller hotels, accurate demand forecasting can support more confident pricing decisions, while direct guest networks may help reduce reliance on costly third-party booking platforms.
With 20 hotels already participating and a UK expansion planned, the company’s next stage will focus on delivering its technology at scale. The key takeaway is clear: Enterprise Ireland funding is giving Levels the opportunity to help independent hotels compete more effectively through smarter pricing, stronger direct relationships and better use of commercial data.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland