Founder: Sandip Sekhon 
Business: Pathways 
Revenue/Month: 5K 
Founders: 1 
Employees: 2-10 
Website: pathways.health 
Location: London, England, United Kingdom 
Founded: 2018 

Chronic pain touches every facet of life, shaping how millions approach their day-to-day routines and redefining what’s possible. For those seeking relief, Pathways offers an alternative that challenges the norms of traditional treatment. The app employs a natural, mind-body approach, fusing scientific research with user-friendly technology to guide chronic pain sufferers toward lasting recovery. Operating on a freemium model and backed by a money-back guarantee, it reflects an audacious confidence in its ability to drive meaningful change. 

The driving force behind Pathways is Sandip Sekhon, a 36-year-old entrepreneur based in London. Sekhon’s path to this venture wasn’t a straight line. Beginning his career in finance, he seemed destined for a stable, conventional trajectory. However, he made a sharp pivot a decade ago, diving headfirst into the world of Internet entrepreneurship. Now, with Pathways, his work blends a passion for problem-solving with a bold mission to revolutionize pain management. 

“Chronic pain is something that dominates every moment of someone’s life,” Sekhon says. “I wanted to create something that addressed that—not just in a surface way, but by getting to the very core of what causes it.” His voice carries the weight of experience, revealing a clear grasp of the struggles that pain sufferers face, paired with a sense of urgency to create real solutions. 

Pathways leverages a unique combination of empathy and cutting-edge science. The app equips users with tools to target pain at its source, offering techniques rooted in the growing body of evidence around the mind-body connection. Rather than emphasizing medications or temporary fixes, it teaches users how to retrain the brain’s response to pain. Sekhon explains that this approach stems from research showing that chronic pain often becomes ingrained in neural pathways, a cycle that can be interrupted with the right interventions. 

The methods seem to strike a chord with those seeking alternatives. “We’ve had people come to us after trying everything else—medications, physical therapy, surgeries—and seeing little improvement,” Sekhon says. “What they find in Pathways is hope, but also empowerment. It’s not just about managing pain; it’s about taking control.” 

This focus on empowerment ties back to Sekhon’s own entrepreneurial ethos. His background in finance, where precision and strategic thinking reign supreme, has shaped how he approaches building products. “My time in banking taught me to analyze problems and create solutions that are scalable,” he reflects. That discipline underpins Pathways’ development, from its polished user interface to the science-backed exercises it offers. 

But the shift from spreadsheets and balance sheets to addressing the deeply human experience of chronic pain wasn’t without its challenges. “This is very different work from what I used to do,” Sekhon admits. “It’s not just about solving a problem—it’s about understanding people’s lives on a much deeper level. The stakes feel higher because it’s personal.” That sensitivity to the human side of the equation is evident in every aspect of Pathways, from its approachable design to its affordability. 

The freemium model, for example, ensures that users can access significant resources at no cost, while the premium subscription offers additional features for those who want a deeper dive. And then there’s the money-back guarantee—a bold promise that’s rare in this space. “It’s simple: if it doesn’t help, we don’t want to take your money,” Sekhon says. “We’re confident in what we’ve created, and we want that confidence to extend to our users.” 

In a market crowded with quick fixes and temporary solutions, Pathways sets itself apart by focusing on what Sekhon describes as the “long-term wins.” The app doesn’t promise an overnight cure. Instead, it aims to guide users toward gradual, sustainable improvement. “Change doesn’t happen in a day,” he explains. “But it does happen. And when it does, it’s life-changing.” 

That belief in the power of transformation fuels Sekhon’s work and resonates deeply with the app’s users. “We hear stories every day from people whose lives have been completely altered by chronic pain. Being able to help them rewrite that story—it’s why we do what we do.” 

From Personal Struggle to Groundbreaking Solution 

Every innovation begins with a spark—an experience or realization that demands action. For Pathways, the spark was deeply personal. Sandip Sekhon’s own battle with chronic pain didn’t just shape his understanding of the issue; it became the foundation for a tool that could change lives. 

Sekhon’s entrepreneurial streak was already well established. Before Pathways, he launched GoGetFunding.com, a crowdfunding platform that enabled countless people to raise funds for meaningful causes. The venture was a success, but the drive and long hours that fueled it led to unexpected consequences. “I was spending endless hours on the computer, and at some point, I started noticing the pain,” Sekhon recalls. “It was small at first, but it didn’t go away—it just got worse.” 

What began as manageable discomfort soon became debilitating. He developed severe repetitive strain injury (RSI), which made basic tasks—typing, holding a phone, or even dressing himself—excruciating. “It was this strange paradox,” he says. “The very work I loved doing, that was helping so many people, had become the thing that was destroying my body.” 

The next few years were marked by frustration and mounting hopelessness. Sekhon pursued every conventional treatment he could find, from physiotherapy to surgeries, but nothing worked. “I had two invasive surgeries on both arms, and neither gave me any relief,” he explains. “It was like I had hit a wall. No one seemed to have answers.” 

That changed when he met a physiotherapist who introduced him to the concept of central pain sensitization. She explained how the nervous system can become overly sensitive, amplifying pain signals even after an injury has healed. “It was a lightbulb moment,” Sekhon says. “For the first time, I understood that pain wasn’t just about physical damage. It was also about how my brain and nervous system were interpreting it.” 

Armed with this new perspective, Sekhon threw himself into research, determined to retrain his nervous system and break free from the cycle of pain. He combined physical techniques with mental strategies, addressing not just his body but also the thoughts and behaviors that had unknowingly perpetuated the pain. The results were astonishing. “Within months, I was completely pain-free,” he says. “It was transformative. And I knew I couldn’t keep this to myself.” 

That experience planted the seed for Pathways. Sekhon realized that his story wasn’t unique; millions of people worldwide were trapped in similar cycles of chronic pain, often without access to the insights and techniques that had saved him. “It’s one thing to find relief for yourself,” he says. “But knowing how many others are suffering—it just felt impossible to walk away from that.” 

Pathways was built to fill this gap. It combines the principles Sekhon used to heal himself with the latest research in pain neuroscience, offering users a practical, step-by-step approach to reclaiming their lives. 

Building the Blueprint for Relief 

The journey from idea to product is rarely smooth, and creating Pathways was no exception. For Sekhon, translating his vision of pain relief into a functioning app required the same resilience and adaptability that defined his personal recovery. It wasn’t just about building an app—it was about building the right app, one that could deliver real value to people battling chronic pain. 

“Accessibility was always a priority,” Sekhon explains. “We wanted to make something that people could use immediately, wherever they were, without needing expensive equipment or extensive training.” The app format was an obvious choice for its reach and convenience, but the execution proved far more intricate than the idea. The first version of Pathways—a minimally viable product (MVP)—was developed in just three months. “It was basic,” Sekhon admits, “but it gave us something to test. We ran a few Facebook ads and started seeing paying customers almost immediately.” 

Early feedback confirmed there was demand for the app, but it also highlighted the work ahead. Users wanted more features, a better interface, and a deeper experience. Scaling the MVP into a robust product required significant upgrades, including a shift from the Unity 3D software to React Native. The switch would allow for greater flexibility and smoother updates, but it came at a cost. The first development team hired for the transition failed after eight months, setting the project back and burning through resources. “It was a tough moment,” Sekhon recalls. “We had to regroup, learn from the mistakes, and find a team that could deliver.” 

That decision paid off. In three months, the second team delivered a stable and functional version of the app, providing a platform that could grow and evolve. But Sekhon wasn’t content to stop there. “We had something that worked, but I knew it could be so much better,” he says. This drive for constant improvement led to a series of enhancements that turned Pathways into a comprehensive tool for pain management. 

The latest version of the app is a reflection of that evolution. The original audio-based program has been upgraded to video, making the content more engaging and accessible. “We wanted the experience to feel immersive,” Sekhon explains. Additional features now include yoga, physiotherapy, and exercise modules, each tailored to complement the app’s core pain relief techniques. Masterclasses offer users a deeper understanding of topics like pain neuroscience, while an updated pain tracker helps them monitor progress and identify triggers. 

Perhaps most striking are the hundreds of challenges built into the app, designed to motivate users and encourage them to take an active role in their recovery. “The goal is to make people feel empowered,” Sekhon says. “Chronic pain can be overwhelming, but when you break it down into small, actionable steps, it becomes something you can tackle.” 

For Sekhon, every refinement and feature addition serves a single purpose: helping users reclaim control over their lives. “Pathways is about meeting people where they are and giving them the tools to move forward,” he says. “It’s not just about the app itself—it’s about what it enables people to achieve.” 

Strategizing for Growth 

Creating a product that transforms lives is just the beginning; ensuring it reaches the right people is where the real work begins. For Sekhon, marketing Pathways has been an exercise in precision and adaptability, blending data-driven tactics with an understanding of the app’s unique audience. 

“Facebook ads were a critical starting point,” Sekhon explains. “They gave us the opportunity to test early versions of the app, gather real feedback, and see if it truly resonated with users.” The initial campaigns did more than validate the product; they highlighted areas for improvement and set the tone for Pathways’ evolution. As the app matured, so too did its marketing approach. Sekhon recognized the need for an organic strategy that could build trust and credibility over time. This led to the development of the Pathways blog, a content hub dedicated to pain science and recovery strategies. “It’s not just about marketing—it’s about educating,” he says. “When people understand the science of pain, they’re more open to the techniques we’re offering.” 

While the blog continues to drive steady traffic, Sekhon is preparing for a broader reach. Universal App Campaigns (UACs) are on the horizon, designed to streamline user acquisition across platforms like Google and YouTube. He also has ambitious plans to launch a dedicated YouTube channel, producing high-quality video content aimed at an audience eager for actionable advice on managing chronic pain. “YouTube offers this incredible opportunity to connect with people visually,” he says. “We want to meet them where they are, with content that’s both engaging and practical.” 

Despite limited advertising efforts, Pathways has experienced steady organic growth, and subscription numbers continue to climb. This momentum, while encouraging, represents just the beginning. Sekhon is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. “The real test will come when we scale paid traffic,” he says. “It’s one thing to attract users—it’s another to retain them and ensure the app delivers long-term value.” 

Sekhon’s perspective on growth reflects his experience in a competitive market. He acknowledges that today’s digital environment demands more than just visibility; it requires authenticity, expertise, and relentless quality. “There’s no room for shortcuts,” he notes. “The bar is higher now, but that’s a good thing. It pushes us to continually raise our game.” 

Big Plans, Bigger Vision 

Sekhon’s vision for Pathways extends far beyond its current offerings. Over the next 12 to 18 months, he plans to reshape how users and medical professionals interact with the app, blending technology and healthcare in new ways. 

Central to this plan is the introduction of a doctor dashboard. This feature will allow physicians to monitor patient progress within the app, creating a feedback loop that enhances treatment outcomes for both parties. “Doctors want tools that give them deeper insights into their patients’ experiences,” Sekhon says. “This dashboard will bridge the gap between traditional medicine and the mind-body techniques we promote.” 

Pathways will also expand its in-app social features, fostering a sense of community among users. “Chronic pain can be isolating,” he explains. “Giving people a space to share their stories and support each other can be incredibly powerful.” Meanwhile, the app’s exercise class library will grow to accommodate a wider variety of needs, from beginner-level movements to more advanced routines tailored to specific conditions. 

A particularly innovative addition in the pipeline is a medication efficacy tracker. This feature will help users and their doctors evaluate how different treatments impact pain levels, offering valuable insights that can guide future decisions. And looking further into the future, Sekhon is exploring the potential of virtual reality. “VR has incredible potential for relaxation and mental well-being,” he says. “Imagine immersing yourself in a peaceful environment, helping your mind and body unwind in a way that complements the app’s core practices.” 

Growth, too, remains a priority. Sekhon has set an ambitious goal of tripling Pathways’ user base within the next 18 months, solidifying its reputation as a premier resource for chronic pain management. “We’re not just building features—we’re building a platform that evolves with our users’ needs,” he says. With a clear roadmap and an eye on the future, Pathways is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come. 

Overcoming Obstacles and Learning Along the Way 

Creating a product as ambitious as Pathways was no straightforward task. Sekhon had to confront challenges that tested his resourcefulness, strategic thinking, and ability to persevere. At the core of these obstacles was the technical complexity of building a seamless, cross-platform app capable of delivering a premium experience to users. But Pathways wasn’t just about functionality—it needed to provide scientifically sound content while remaining relatable and accessible to a diverse audience. 

“Building the app wasn’t just about coding,” Sekhon explains. “It was about creating an experience that spoke to people who might feel like nothing else has worked for them.” Each step of development brought its own complications. From early missteps, such as hiring a poorly matched React Native development team that delayed progress by nearly a year, to refining the app’s content to address a wide range of chronic pain conditions, the process was anything but smooth. However, these setbacks weren’t wasted. “That experience taught me so much about finding the right people for the job,” Sekhon says. “It was a painful but valuable lesson that helped us avoid even bigger mistakes later on.” 

The difficulties extended beyond technical and staffing hurdles. Crafting an app that could address such a complex issue as chronic pain required balancing rigorous scientific accuracy with user-friendly guidance. Sekhon had to ensure the app didn’t feel overly clinical but was still rooted in credible, research-backed techniques. “It’s a delicate balance,” he says. “The content needs to be digestible for anyone, but we also want medical professionals to see its value.” 

Recognizing Limitations While Looking Forward 

Despite its achievements so far, Sekhon is clear-eyed about the hurdles Pathways still faces. One of the most significant is the absence of clinical trials to provide quantifiable evidence of the app’s effectiveness. While user reviews and anecdotal success stories have been overwhelmingly positive, Sekhon recognizes that medical professionals will want hard data to back up the results. “Clinical trials are a critical next step,” he says. “They’re going to help us gain the trust we need to expand our reach and demonstrate that this isn’t just another wellness app—it’s a serious tool for pain management.” 

Reflecting on the journey so far, Sekhon speaks with the clarity of someone who has learned through experience. He admits there are things he might have done differently if given the chance. “Looking back, I think starting as a web app might have made more sense in the beginning,” he says. “It would have been faster to launch and more cost-effective initially. But building Pathways as a cross-platform app from the start has put us on solid technical footing for the future. There’s no need for a major overhaul now, and that’s a huge advantage.” 

For Sekhon, the story of Pathways is one of persistence, innovation, and learning through trial and error. The app bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and the practical needs of people seeking relief, offering hope to those who have often been left without solutions. “There’s still a lot to do,” he says, “but every step forward brings us closer to making a real difference for millions of people living with chronic pain.” 

Success Factors: Why Did Pathways Succeed? 

• Personal Experience Driving the Vision: Sandip Sekhon’s own battle with chronic pain gave him a unique, first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by users. This personal connection to the problem fueled his passion for creating a meaningful solution and guided the app’s focus on real-life pain management. 

• Evidence-Based, Holistic Approach: Pathways goes beyond temporary fixes by offering a comprehensive, science-backed program rooted in the principles of pain neuroscience and mind-body techniques. The app blends research with practical tools that empower users to retrain their nervous systems, addressing the root causes of chronic pain. 

• Relentless Iteration and Refinement: Sekhon’s iterative approach to product development played a critical role in Pathways’ evolution. From testing a basic MVP to constantly upgrading the app with new features (e.g., video modules, yoga classes, a medication efficacy tracker), the focus on continuous improvement ensured the app stayed relevant and valuable. 

• User-Centric Design and Accessibility: The app’s design prioritizes accessibility, making it easy for users to integrate into their daily lives. With its freemium model, the app is available to a broad audience, while features like pain tracking, masterclasses, and personalized challenges help users stay engaged and motivated. 

• Smart Marketing Strategies: Sekhon’s phased marketing strategy, which began with targeted Facebook ads and evolved into content-driven organic growth (e.g., the Pathways blog and planned YouTube channel), allowed him to attract users while building credibility within the pain management space. 

• Resilience and Learning From Setbacks: Sekhon’s ability to adapt and learn from early challenges, such as hiring the wrong development team, allowed Pathways to recover and thrive. He turned missteps into valuable lessons, improving both the product and his strategic decision-making. 

• Visionary Growth Plans: Sekhon’s long-term vision for Pathways extends beyond its current offerings, with plans to incorporate features like doctor dashboards, VR-based relaxation tools, and community-building elements. This forward-thinking mindset positions the app to remain competitive and continuously add value. 

• A Balance of Passion and Practicality: While the app was inspired by Sekhon’s personal journey, his business acumen, honed during his earlier entrepreneurial ventures, ensured that Pathways was built with scalability and user needs in mind. This combination of purpose and precision has been pivotal to its success. 

Key Lessons to Learn 

1. Personal Experience Can Be a Powerful Driver: Sekhon’s journey through chronic pain shaped his deep understanding of the problem and inspired a solution that resonated with others. When entrepreneurs create from personal experience, they’re often better equipped to address real user needs and create authentic connections. 

2. Start Small, Then Iterate Relentlessly: Pathways began with a minimally viable product (MVP) to test the concept, gather feedback, and gauge market demand. This iterative approach allowed Sekhon to refine the app based on user input, evolving it into a sophisticated tool. Starting small and improving based on real-world insights can save time and resources in the long run. 

3. Turn Setbacks Into Learning Opportunities: Early challenges, such as hiring the wrong development team and experiencing technical delays, could have derailed the project. Instead, Sekhon used these setbacks to strengthen his understanding of what was needed, ultimately finding the right team and creating a better product. Obstacles can be reframed as valuable lessons that lead to better decisions. 

4. Combine Science With Accessibility: Pathways succeeds because it translates complex pain science into actionable, easy-to-use tools. The lesson here is that making scientifically rigorous solutions accessible to a broad audience—without diluting their value—can be a game-changer in any industry. 

5. Focus on Continuous Improvement: Sekhon didn’t settle for a functional app; he pushed for enhancements that made Pathways more engaging and comprehensive. From upgrading content to video formats to adding new features like pain trackers and masterclasses, the app’s evolution reflects a commitment to long-term value. Businesses that prioritize innovation and improvement are more likely to sustain success. 

6. Understand the Power of Marketing and Education: Pathways thrived because of its multi-layered marketing strategy. Starting with Facebook ads to validate the concept and moving into content creation (e.g., the Pathways blog), Sekhon demonstrated the importance of using marketing as a tool not just to sell but to educate and build trust. Informative, value-driven content can establish credibility and foster organic growth. 

7. Adaptability Is Key to Success: Sekhon’s willingness to adjust his approach—whether by changing development platforms or embracing new marketing strategies—shows the importance of flexibility. Businesses that can pivot and adapt to challenges or market needs are better positioned for success. 

8. Create a Vision for the Future: Sekhon’s forward-thinking roadmap (e.g., integrating doctor dashboards, adding VR experiences, and building community features) demonstrates the value of looking ahead. A clear, ambitious vision not only keeps a company relevant but also ensures long-term growth opportunities. 

9. Solve Real Problems, Not Just Symptoms: Pathways doesn’t focus on temporary pain relief; it addresses the root causes of chronic pain through mind-body techniques. By solving foundational problems rather than surface-level ones, the app delivers lasting value—an approach that can be applied to any industry. 

10. Empathy and Empowerment Are Core to Success: Pathways empowers users to take control of their pain by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and guidance they need. Businesses that prioritize empathy and empowerment can create more meaningful and lasting connections with their customers. 

11. Take the Long View: Sekhon understands that Pathways’ success isn’t just about short-term results—it’s about building trust and providing real value over time. Entrepreneurs should consider how their decisions today will impact their business, customers, and growth potential in the future. 

Opportunity Matrix 

Founder Background 

Sandip Sekhon, a 36-year-old entrepreneur with a career that began in finance and banking, transitioned to Internet entrepreneurship. His previous venture, GoGetFunding, achieved significant success. Personal experience with chronic pain fueled his passion for creating Pathways. 

Problem Identification 

Chronic pain affects millions globally, and traditional methods often focus on temporary relief or medication rather than addressing root causes. A need exists for accessible, holistic, and effective solutions. 

Market Opportunity 

The global chronic pain market is vast, with millions seeking alternatives to medication and invasive treatments. The growing interest in mind-body techniques presents a ripe opportunity. 

Competitive Landscape 

Competing with traditional pain management approaches, therapy apps, and wellness platforms. Few competitors blend pain neuroscience and holistic techniques in an accessible app format. 

Market Research 

Initial research identified gaps in pain management solutions, particularly in accessible, scientifically backed, and non-pharmaceutical approaches. User feedback heavily informed the app’s evolution. 

Business Model 

Freemium subscription model with free basic tools and premium features. Includes a bold money-back guarantee to inspire user confidence and minimize financial barriers. 

Initial Capital 

Self-funded in early stages, with resources likely allocated from Sekhon’s prior entrepreneurial success. Budget constraints shaped a lean and iterative approach to development. 

Product/Service Development 

Initial MVP was developed in three months. After iterative improvements, Pathways evolved into a robust platform offering video-based programs, pain trackers, yoga modules, and personalized challenges. 

Marketing Strategy 

Started with Facebook ads to validate the MVP. Expanded into content-driven strategies via a blog and plans for a YouTube channel. Organic growth supplemented by plans for Universal App Campaigns. 

Milestones 

Key milestones include MVP launch, successful pivot to React Native, release of a comprehensive app version with video and exercise modules, and achieving steady subscription growth. 

Scalability 

Pathways is designed for global scalability via its app-based format. Planned features like doctor dashboards, VR relaxation tools, and social community functionality will expand its appeal and reach. 

Potential Risks and Challenges 

Lack of clinical trials to validate efficacy may hinder trust from medical professionals. Competing in a crowded health app market requires consistent innovation. Early setbacks in development highlighted execution risks. 

Key Performance Indicators/Metrics 

Metrics include subscription growth, user retention rates, engagement with premium features, feedback from user reviews, traffic driven by content, and eventual clinical trial outcomes.