In this season, we're focusing on Chicago founders who are building right here in the city. I'm your host, Cecilia Benitez, and together we'll hear the stories behind the startups, explore the real challenges of building in Chicago, and uncover what drives these founders to keep going.

Tune in to the Chicago Techies Podcast as we sit down with Al Lagunas, founder and CEO of Levee. Al shares his journey from working at Amazon to launching a startup that’s transforming the hospitality industry with innovative tech. Along with his co-founder Guillermo, Al brings a personal connection to the work—both are first-generation Mexican-Americans who grew up in Chicago’s Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods. Their mission is clear: empower hotel housekeepers and maintenance teams with AI-powered vision and voice tools that make managing tasks easier, faster, and less tied to a desk.

In this episode, we dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, the pressure to show quick results, the grind of building from the ground up, and the importance of hard work, networking, and mentorship. We talk about finding the right balance between building a strong business foundation and connecting with investors, as well as the challenges of raising capital without traditional credentials. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of Levee, exploring plans to expand from their room inspection tool into HR and procurement solutions, all driven by a mission to uplift frontline and underserved workers with technology that makes a lasting impact.

Connect with Al:

Als Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allagunas/

Levee’s Website: https://www.levee.biz/

Levee’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/levee-labs-inc/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87