Hotel tech startup Levels has secured €100,000 from Enterprise Ireland to help independent hotels improve room pricing, increase occupancy and reduce reliance on costly online travel agencies. The Kilkenny company will officially launch on 4 November 2026 with 20 Irish hotels already signed up.
Founded in July 2025 by actuary Shane Doherty and software engineer Micheál Dunne, Levels provides revenue intelligence tools designed specifically for independent hotels. Its backing comes through Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund, supporting the company’s next stage of growth across Ireland and into the UK.
Hotel tech platform targets independent Irish hotels
Levels uses an actuarial forecasting model to estimate demand and recommend an optimal room rate for each hotel room across the next 365 days. The system is designed to help smaller hotels make better pricing decisions without requiring the resources or specialist teams available to large hotel groups.
The company said it consulted more than 40 hoteliers before developing its platform. Feedback highlighted two recurring challenges: hotels often lacked the time and tools to price every night effectively, while online travel agency commissions placed additional pressure on profit margins.
Hotels currently signed up include:
- Armada Hotel
- Parknasilla Resort & Spa
- Fernhill Hotel & Estate
- Kinsale Hotel & Spa
Lower commission model for direct bookings
When Levels identifies a quieter night, it can send targeted offers to The Guest Community, the company’s own guest network. Levels states that participating hotels pay a 5% commission on these bookings, compared with typical online travel agency commissions of between 15% and 25%.
Guests can join The Guest Community free of charge, while hotels can also receive a 2.5% commission on future bookings made by guests they introduce to the network.
Enterprise Ireland investment supports expansion plans
The €100,000 investment will help Levels accelerate deployment across Ireland, complete key integrations and prepare for entry into the UK market in 2027. Enterprise Ireland said the founders combine technical and commercial expertise with early traction among Irish customers.
The startup 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 points to improvements in occupancy and revenue. Fernhill Hotel & Estate said the platform was straightforward to implement, while The Lakeside Manor reported a noticeable increase in both occupancy and revenue in recent months.
Read more: Irish business and public-sector developments
- Latest Ireland business news and enterprise updates
- Irish technology, media and economic affairs coverage
Official launch and recruitment
Levels will launch at the River Court Hotel in Kilkenny at noon on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. The company is also recruiting a Business Development Executive as it expands its hotel customer base.
The announcement reflects wider efforts to strengthen Irish innovation and tourism competitiveness. Alongside Enterprise Ireland, organisations such as IDA Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment support different parts of Ireland’s enterprise and tourism ecosystem.
Explore more: Ireland’s growing technology economy
What does Levels offer hotels?
- Demand forecasting for the next 365 days
- Recommended room rates based on expected demand
- Targeted promotions for quieter nights
- Access to a direct guest-booking community
- A lower stated commission than many online travel agencies
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland
Key takeaway: Levels’ Enterprise Ireland funding gives the Kilkenny hotel-tech startup an opportunity to help independent hotels improve revenue management, strengthen direct bookings and prepare for international expansion.