Abstract
Fatigue of entrepreneurs has recently attracted research attention due to the growing recognition of the importance of entrepreneurial energy. Fatigue of entrepreneurs likely affects key aspects of entrepreneurship, including decision-making, entrepreneurial engagement, and the propensity to exit. Recovery is important for mitigating the negative effects of fatigue, and research has identified several avenues to help entrepreneurs cope with fatigue outside of work, such as getting enough sleep and engaging in mindfulness activities. However, less is known about venture-related mechanisms through which entrepreneurs may sustain themselves under conditions of persistent fatigue. We conducted a qualitative study investigating the potential of entrepreneurial ventures to help founders sustain themselves under context-driven fatigue, using a sample of entrepreneurs living and working in Ukraine during the Russian invasion. We identify a venture-related practice, future anchoring, that helps entrepreneurs cope with the negative aspects of persistent fatigue. Our study contributes to the literature on entrepreneurial energy and fatigue, venture-related coping strategies, and entrepreneurship in adversity.