Independent hotels across Ireland are under constant pressure to improve occupancy while keeping distribution costs under control. Kilkenny-based Levels is taking a technology-led approach to that challenge after securing €100,000 from Enterprise Ireland and signing up 20 Irish hotels ahead of its official launch.
Founded in July 2025, the hotel revenue intelligence company was created by actuary Shane Doherty and software engineer Micheál Dunne. Its platform is designed to help smaller hotels forecast demand, set room prices and attract guests during quieter periods.
A data-led approach to hotel pricing
Levels uses an actuarial model to forecast demand for each room over the following 365 days. The system then recommends pricing levels intended to match expected demand, giving independent operators a clearer view of how rates could affect occupancy and revenue.
The company says its model was shaped by conversations with more than 40 hoteliers before development began. The recurring concerns were clear: many independent properties lacked the time and tools to adjust prices consistently, while commissions paid to online travel agencies could significantly reduce margins.
When the platform identifies a quieter night, it can send targeted offers to guests through The Guest Community, Levels’ own guest network. The service charges a 5% commission, compared with the 15% to 25% range cited for online travel agencies. Hotels can also receive a 2.5% commission on future bookings made through the network by guests they introduce.
Early traction in the Irish market
Levels has already secured commitments from 20 hotels, including the Armada Hotel, Parknasilla Resort & Spa, Fernhill Hotel & Estate and Kinsale Hotel & Spa. The company will officially launch at Kilkenny’s River Court Hotel on 4 November 2026.
Customer feedback highlighted improvements in both ease of implementation and commercial performance. Fernhill Hotel & Estate said the platform was straightforward to set up, while The Lakeside Manor reported a noticeable increase in occupancy and revenue over recent months.
The startup has also 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.
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Funding supports expansion plans
The €100,000 investment comes through Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund. The funding will help Levels accelerate deployment across Ireland, complete additional integrations and prepare for an anticipated move into the UK market next year.
Enterprise Ireland said the founders combine technical and commercial expertise with early evidence of demand from Irish customers. For Levels, the funding represents an opportunity to build a larger customer base while developing a platform aimed specifically at the needs of independent hotels.
The company is also hiring a Business Development Executive, signalling plans to expand its commercial operation alongside product development.
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What the launch could mean for hotel operators
Revenue management has traditionally required specialist expertise, detailed forecasting and regular manual adjustments. By packaging those functions into a platform for independent properties, Levels is seeking to make sophisticated pricing tools more accessible beyond large hotel groups.
The wider opportunity is significant: independent hotels remain central to Ireland’s tourism offering, but they often operate with smaller teams and fewer technology resources. Tools that improve direct bookings, reduce commission costs and identify weak demand could help properties protect margins without relying solely on broad discounting.
Frequently asked questions
What does Levels do?
Levels forecasts hotel demand and recommends room rates for the next 365 days. It also helps hotels promote quieter dates through its guest network.
How much funding has Levels received?
The Kilkenny startup has secured €100,000 through Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund.
Which hotels are using the platform?
Early customers include the Armada Hotel, Parknasilla Resort & Spa, Fernhill Hotel & Estate and Kinsale Hotel & Spa.
The takeaway: Levels’ funding and early hotel partnerships show how Irish technology startups are applying data science to practical challenges in tourism. Its next test will be turning that early traction into sustained business growth in Ireland before entering the UK market.