A Kilkenny hotel technology startup is preparing for its official launch after securing €100,000 in backing from Enterprise Ireland. Levels, founded by an actuary and a software engineer, is developing tools to help independent hotels improve occupancy, pricing and profit margins.
The funding comes through Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund and will support the company’s rollout across Ireland, product integrations and planned expansion into the UK next year. The development is a notable example of business news Ireland, particularly as hospitality operators continue to seek more efficient ways to manage revenue.
A data-led approach to hotel revenue
Levels was established in July 2025 by CEO Shane Doherty, a qualified actuary, and CTO Micheál Dunne, a software engineer with experience developing enterprise systems for multinational companies in Dublin.
The platform applies forecasting and pricing models to estimate demand for each room over the following 365 days. It then recommends rates designed to help hotels respond to busy and quiet periods more effectively.
When demand is expected to be weak, Levels can promote targeted offers through The Guest Community, its own guest network. The service charges hotels a 5% commission, compared with the higher fees commonly associated with online travel agencies. Hotels can also receive a 2.5% commission when guests they introduce make future bookings through the network.
Early support from independent hotels
Levels says 20 Irish hotels had signed up ahead of its launch on 4 November 2026. Customers named by the company include the Armada Hotel, Parknasilla Resort & Spa, Fernhill Hotel & Estate and Kinsale Hotel & Spa.
The founders said they consulted more than 40 hoteliers before developing the platform. Their research identified two recurring concerns: independent operators lacked the time and tools to optimise room rates, while also facing substantial commission costs from third-party booking platforms.
Customer feedback has been positive. Fernhill Hotel & Estate described the setup process as straightforward, while The Lakeside Manor reported improvements in occupancy and revenue during its initial use of the service.
Why the model matters
- Hotels can receive rate recommendations based on projected demand.
- Quiet-night offers can be directed to a dedicated guest community.
- The commission model is designed to reduce reliance on traditional online travel agencies.
- Independent properties gain access to technology commonly associated with larger hotel groups.
Enterprise Ireland backs international ambitions
Enterprise Ireland said Levels combines technical and commercial expertise with early customer traction in the Irish market. The agency’s support is intended to help the company build its domestic presence before entering the UK.
The startup has also secured 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. It is currently recruiting a Business Development Executive.
For Ireland’s hospitality sector, the company’s progress reflects a broader shift towards revenue intelligence, automation and direct customer relationships. It also adds to the growing profile of irish startup news beyond Dublin, with regional founders developing technology for established industries.
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What happens next?
Levels will officially launch at the River Court Hotel in Kilkenny at noon on 4 November. Its immediate priorities are expanding adoption among Irish independent hotels, completing integrations and preparing for UK market entry.
FAQ
What is Levels?
Levels is a hotel revenue intelligence platform that forecasts room demand and recommends pricing for independent hotels.
How much funding has Levels received?
The company has secured €100,000 through Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund.
How many hotels are using the platform?
Levels reported that 20 Irish hotels had signed up before its official launch.
The company’s next phase will test whether a focused, lower-cost technology model can help independent properties compete more effectively. For readers following business news Ireland, Levels offers a clear example of how Irish innovation is being applied to practical commercial challenges in tourism.