Hydration: Why It Should Be On Every Founder’s Mind
By Julia Fichera ’26, Principal
When founders pitch their business ideas to potential investors, they agree to be judged. Their business is put under scrutiny, and they must provide detailed information and answer some difficult questions. The process can be stressful, and founders need to be able to keep a cool head because it is not only their ideas being judged — they are as well.
Investors look for certain qualities in founders: experience, market knowledge, as well as the founder’s personality and motivation. While most of these qualities can be evaluated relatively easily, a founder’s personality may be a bit trickier to assess. Investors will observe their reactions to tough questions and overall composure, and will definitely notice whether a founder remains calm and confident.
The energy a founder gives during a pitch says a lot to investors, so it would make sense that they do everything possible to ensure their performance is at its best. However, one of the most simple things that can be done to improve a person’s overall composure and performance is often overlooked: proper hydration. In fact, about 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.
Dehydration happens when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, but why should founders care about staying hydrated? The benefits of drinking water are not only physical but mental as well. The human brain is made up of about 75% of water, and even mild dehydration can negatively impact a person’s ability to concentrate. Dehydration has also been shown to impair memory and the ability to perform mental calculations. A founder would not want to be caught lacking in any of these areas during their pitch.
Proper hydration has the opposite effect, boosting energy and helping to relieve fatigue. Drinking water also supports cognitive functions, improving attentiveness, critical thinking, and reaction times. Increasing water intake may even help stabilize emotions and decrease feelings of anxiety, which is a feeling that founders may be familiar with. While factors like activity levels and metabolism can impact how much water an individual should consume each day, it is recommended that men drink about 125 ounces and women drink about 91 ounces of water daily. One of the best ways to stay hydrated is to make it a habit to sip water throughout the day. Carrying a water bottle around or eating hydrating foods like cucumbers and tomatoes are great ways to start.
Staying hydrated can help with mental clarity and regulating stress, which can be crucial in high-pressure situations like pitching. Investors are looking for founders who can think critically and communicate their confidence in their ideas effectively. If proper hydration can positively impact a founder’s performance during their pitch, increasing water intake might be a wise decision. Ultimately, staying properly hydrated can have a significant impact on personal and professional success.
Julia is a Junior from Baldwinsville, NY, who is pursuing a degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and ISBA. Julia currently works as the Senior Generalist on the UNH Paul College Influencer Team. She is also a Paul Scholar and Honors student. Julia is eager to begin her fourth semester with the Fund, this time as a principal, and is grateful to be given such a unique opportunity!
