Sum Hydration Company Profile

Background

Overview

Sum Hydration, founded in 2020 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is a pioneering company in the beverage industry, focusing on personalized hydration solutions. The company was established by a team of scientists, athletes, engineers, and environmentalists who recognized the need for a more sustainable and scientifically-backed approach to hydration. Their mission is to redefine the way the world hydrates by offering customizable, performance-enhancing beverages without the environmental impact associated with single-use containers.

Mission and Vision

Sum Hydration's mission is to provide personalized hydration solutions that enhance performance and well-being while minimizing environmental waste. Their vision is to become the new standard in beverage brands by utilizing responsible manufacturing, distribution, and marketing practices, all guided by a commitment to simplicity and sustainability.

Primary Area of Focus

The company's primary focus is on delivering customizable hydration options that cater to individual needs, particularly for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. By leveraging technology and scientific research, Sum Hydration aims to provide beverages that support optimal performance and recovery.

Industry Significance

In an industry often criticized for its environmental impact due to single-use plastics, Sum Hydration stands out by offering a sustainable alternative. Their innovative approach addresses the growing consumer demand for personalized nutrition and eco-friendly products, positioning them as a significant player in the evolving beverage market.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Personalization: Allow customers to create beverages tailored to their specific hydration and performance needs.

Sustainability: Eliminate single-use waste by utilizing refillable cartridges and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Innovation: Integrate advanced technology to enhance user experience and product efficacy.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Customizable Hydration: Offering a range of natural flavors, electrolytes, and functional additives like caffeine and protein to create personalized beverages.

Sustainable Practices: Implementing a zero-waste delivery system and using refillable cartridges to minimize environmental impact.

Technology Integration: Developing a mobile app that connects users to smart fountains, enabling beverage customization and dispensing.

Key Technologies Utilized

Smart Fountain System: Automated beverage dispensers that allow for quick, customizable drink refills without the need for pre-mixing or powders.

Mobile Application: An app that enables users to select drink size, flavors, and additives, and to pay for and dispense beverages directly into their reusable bottles.

Refillable Cartridge System: A sustainable method of delivering beverage ingredients in bulk, reducing single-use waste.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Fitness Centers and Gyms: Providing members with convenient access to personalized hydration solutions.

Athletes and Active Individuals: Catering to those seeking optimal performance and recovery through tailored hydration.

Environmentally Conscious Consumers: Appealing to individuals committed to reducing their environmental footprint.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Since its inception, Sum Hydration has secured multiple funding rounds to support its growth and development. As of May 2025, the company has raised an undisclosed total amount across eight funding rounds, including venture and convertible note financings.

Recent Funding Rounds

May 29, 2025: Venture Round and Debt Financing.

June 1, 2024: Convertible Note.

May 3, 2024: Venture Round.

Notable Investors

While specific investor names are not publicly disclosed, Sum Hydration has attracted interest from various venture capital firms and angel investors, indicating strong confidence in its business model and market potential.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds raised are primarily allocated towards:

Product Development: Finalizing the mobile app and smart fountain systems.

Branding and Marketing: Establishing a strong brand presence and executing marketing strategies.

Operational Expansion: Scaling operations to support the launch and distribution of products.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Smart Fountain System: An automated beverage dispenser that allows for quick, customizable drink refills without the need for pre-mixing or powders.

Mobile Application: An app that enables users to select drink size, flavors, and additives, and to pay for and dispense beverages directly into their reusable bottles.

Refillable Cartridge System: A sustainable method of delivering beverage ingredients in bulk, reducing single-use waste.

Stages of Development

Smart Fountain System: Prototype development completed; undergoing real-world testing in various fitness centers.

Mobile Application: In final stages of development, with beta testing planned in select locations.

Refillable Cartridge System: Operational, with plans for expansion to additional locations.

Target Conditions

Hydration Needs: Addressing the diverse hydration requirements of individuals based on activity levels and personal preferences.

Environmental Impact: Reducing single-use plastic waste associated with traditional beverage containers.

Anticipated Milestones

Product Launch: Scheduled for April 1, 2024, with installations in over 50% of target locations.

App Release: Expected to coincide with the product launch, offering full functionality to users.

Expansion: Plans to scale operations and introduce additional flavors and additives based on customer feedback.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Smart Fountain System: Automated beverage dispensers that allow for quick, customizable drink refills without the need for pre-mixing or powders.

Mobile Application: An app that enables users to select drink size, flavors, and additives, and to pay for and dispense beverages directly into their reusable bottles.

Refillable Cartridge System: A sustainable method of delivering beverage ingredients in bulk, reducing single-use waste.

Significant Scientific Methods

Hydration Science Integration: Formulations based on extensive research in sports science, nutrition, and physiology to deliver optimal hydration for different needs and activities.

User-Centric Design: Development of a mobile app and smart fountain system that prioritize ease of use and customization.

Leadership Team

Stuart Griffin – Co-founder and CEO

Stuart Griffin is a successful ultra-endurance athlete, former Ernst & Young M&A advisor, and COO of a major fitness brand. As CEO, he leads the strategic direction and overall operations of Sum Hydration.

Tyler Hurd – Co-founder and Chief Engineer

Tyler Hurd is a product developer, engineer, and builder with a passion for the outdoors, CAD design, hardware innovation, and environmental sustainability. He oversees the engineering and product development aspects of the company.

Courteney Benjamin, PhD – Head of Product

Courteney Benjamin holds a PhD in Kinesiology and specializes in thermoregulation and athletic performance. She guides the product development process, ensuring that offerings are scientifically sound and meet the needs of active individuals.

Jason Hejna – Lead Hardware Engineer

Jason Hejna has experience as an R&D Engineer at The Coca-Cola Company. He leads the hardware engineering team, focusing on the development and refinement of the smart fountain system.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The beverage industry is experiencing a shift towards personalized nutrition and sustainable practices. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that cater to individual health needs while minimizing environmental impact. This trend presents opportunities for companies like Sum Hydration to capture market share by offering innovative solutions.

Competitor Analysis

HOPE Hydration: Focuses on innovative solutions to hydrate the world waste-free.

Flaskk: Offers an IoT water dispenser that mixes supplements and flavors in reusable bottles.

Freedom Beverage: Provides electrolyte hydration drinks focusing on performance and immunity.

Smart Soda Holdings, Inc.: Delivers healthy beverage alternatives.

Caktus: Aims to solve hydration problems and help users feel, do, and live better.

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