Nerveli Company Profile

Background

Overview

Nerveli is a Dallas-based health technology company founded in 2022, dedicated to revolutionizing chronic pain management through a personalized, science-backed mobile application. The platform integrates advanced analytics, gamified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and machine learning to provide users with daily support and education, empowering them to understand and manage their pain effectively.

Mission and Vision

Nerveli's mission is to offer accessible, evidence-based tools that assist individuals in comprehending the complexities of chronic pain and in implementing strategies for relief. The company's vision is to become a leading resource for chronic pain sufferers, delivering personalized support that complements traditional medical care and enhances overall well-being.

Primary Area of Focus

The company focuses on chronic pain management, aiming to bridge the gap between medical appointments by providing continuous, personalized support to users. By leveraging technology, Nerveli seeks to empower individuals to take an active role in their pain management journey.

Industry Significance

Chronic pain affects a significant portion of the population, leading to decreased quality of life and increased healthcare costs. Nerveli's innovative approach addresses this widespread issue by offering a scalable solution that combines medical science with user-friendly technology, positioning the company as a noteworthy player in the digital health sector.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Personalized Pain Management: Develop and deliver tailored strategies that address the unique pain profiles of each user.

Continuous Support: Provide ongoing assistance and education to users, ensuring they have the resources needed to manage their pain effectively between medical visits.

Integration with Healthcare Systems: Collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure that Nerveli's solutions complement existing medical treatments and enhance patient outcomes.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Chronic Pain Education: Offer comprehensive information to help users understand the underlying causes and mechanisms of their pain.

Behavioral Therapy Techniques: Incorporate CBT methods to assist users in developing coping strategies and altering pain-related thought patterns.

Data Analytics: Utilize machine learning algorithms to analyze user data, providing insights that inform personalized pain management plans.

Key Technologies Utilized

Mobile Application Development: Create intuitive and accessible platforms for users to engage with pain management resources.

Artificial Intelligence: Employ AI to analyze user data and deliver personalized recommendations.

Gamification: Integrate game-like elements to enhance user engagement and adherence to pain management programs.

Primary Markets Targeted

Individual Consumers: Individuals seeking self-managed solutions for chronic pain relief.

Healthcare Providers: Clinics and hospitals looking to offer supplementary pain management tools to their patients.

Employers and Health Insurers: Organizations aiming to provide resources that support employee health and reduce absenteeism due to pain-related issues.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As of October 2025, Nerveli has raised a total of $1.09 million in funding. This includes a $540,000 pre-seed round led by DFW Angels, a group formed by investors from TiE Dallas Angels. Additional investors include 2 the Moon Ventures and George Baker Sr., as well as the founder of FreightWaves and the former CEO of Xpress Technologies.

Utilization of Capital

The funds are intended to support the scaling of Nerveli's platform, development of new features, and expansion of strategic partnerships to enhance product offerings and market reach.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Nerveli's primary focus is on the continuous enhancement of its mobile application, integrating advanced features such as real-time pain tracking, personalized CBT modules, and AI-driven insights to improve user engagement and outcomes.

Stages of Development

The application is in the growth stage, with ongoing updates and feature additions based on user feedback and clinical research.

Target Conditions

The platform is designed to assist individuals managing various chronic pain conditions, including back pain, arthritis, and neuropathic pain.

Anticipated Milestones

User Base Expansion: Increase the number of active users through targeted marketing and partnerships.

Feature Rollouts: Introduce new functionalities, such as community support forums and integration with wearable devices.

Clinical Validation: Conduct studies to validate the effectiveness of the platform in improving pain management outcomes.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Pain Assessment Tools: Develop interactive surveys and sensory tests to evaluate pain levels and triggers.

Personalized CBT Programs: Create adaptable therapy modules tailored to individual user needs.

AI-Driven Analytics: Implement machine learning algorithms to analyze user data and provide actionable insights.

Significant Scientific Methods

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Utilize evidence-based CBT techniques to help users manage pain-related thoughts and behaviors.

Data Analytics: Apply statistical methods to interpret user data, identifying patterns and trends that inform personalized pain management strategies.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Leon Jacobson, MBA – CEO & Co-Founder: A serial entrepreneur and former venture capitalist, Leon has a background in startup leadership and innovation. He earned his MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas and previously served as assistant director of the university’s Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Dr. Desiree Azizoddin, PsyD – Co-Founder: A Harvard-trained pain psychologist, Dr. Azizoddin specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain management. She holds a position at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and has exclusive rights to research on CBT adapted for mobile use.

Dr. Amol Patwardhan, MD – Chief Medical Officer: An anesthesiologist and pain management physician at UT Southwestern, Dr. Patwardhan brings clinical expertise to Nerveli's development.

Zaid Altahat – Chief Technology Officer: Founder and CEO of Zetaton, Zaid is an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, specializing in technology development and implementation.

Advisory Board Members

Kiran Rangarajan, PhD – Chief Revenue Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield

Howard Hacker – Chief Compliance Officer, Walmart Health

Mike Murphy – Former Chief Advertising Officer, Facebook

Paul Golden – Former Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung

Dr. Ezekiel Fink – Chief Medical Director, Houston Methodist Hospital | Harvard Medical School

Trey Bowles – Managing Director, Techstars

Dr. Jen Huberty – Former Chief Science Officer, Calm

Frank Sawyer – Senior VP of Operations at Trinity Health Oakland Hospital

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The chronic pain management market is substantial, with millions of individuals seeking effective solutions. Digital health interventions are gaining traction as scalable, accessible alternatives to traditional pain management methods.

Competitor Analysis

Replika: An AI chatbot designed to engage users in conversations, offering companionship and support.

Wysa: An AI-driven mental health support app providing therapeutic conversations and self-help tools.

Kai.ai: An AI-powered mental health platform offering personalized support and resources.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Nerveli has joined the McKinney Innovation Fund, powered by the McKinney Economic Development Corporation, to advance AI-driven health and human performance solutions. This partnership aims to support Nerveli's scaling efforts and product development.

Operational Insights

Nerveli differentiates itself through its comprehensive, science-based approach to chronic pain management, integrating medical expertise with user-friendly technology. The company's focus on personalized support and continuous engagement sets it apart in the digital health landscape.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Nerveli plans to expand its user base through targeted marketing and strategic partnerships, enhance its platform with new features based on user feedback, and validate its effectiveness through clinical studies to establish credibility and attract broader adoption.