Photo Courtesy: Excalibur Portraits
Minnesota’s startup ecosystem is about to get a powerful boost with the launch of Loon’s Lair, a new high-stakes entrepreneur pitch competition designed to spotlight innovation, drive investment, and elevate bold ideas. Created by the India Chamber of Commerce MN (ICOCMN) in partnership with BETA, Loon’s Lair offers a Shark Tank-style platform where emerging entrepreneurs can present their ventures to a live audience and a panel of respected investors. The competition is set to take place on June 7, 2025, in Minneapolis and has already gained significant traction in the startup community.
What sets Loon’s Lair apart is its intentional focus on fostering diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial space. The competition not only targets traditional founders but also makes a concerted effort to highlight immigrant-led, minority-owned, and underrepresented businesses in the region. This initiative is being spearheaded by Shajive Jeganathan, President of ICOCMN, and Aanchal Singhal, Associate Director of the Office of Enterprise Development & Innovation at ICOCMN. Together, they are building a platform where diverse entrepreneurs can gain the visibility, funding, and mentorship they need to scale their businesses.
“The excitement we’re seeing in the community is incredible. Founders, funders, and partners all recognize this as a chance to build something inclusive, impactful, and uniquely Minnesotan,” said Aanchal Singhal.
ICOCMN, the organization behind Loon’s Lair, is a mission-driven nonprofit focused on economic empowerment, cultural connectivity, and business collaboration. ICOCMN has emerged as a powerful force for bridging Minnesota’s Indian-American communities with the broader innovation economy. Through this work, the organization has launched initiatives that foster growth, partnership, and long-term impact across the state.
Loon’s Lair is poised to be a transformative event within Minnesota’s entrepreneurial landscape. Shajive Jeganathan, President of ICOCMN, emphasized the importance of the initiative’s inclusive approach: “Loon’s Lair isn’t just a pitch competition—it’s a movement. We’re creating a space where bold ideas are met with real opportunity, especially for Indian-American ventures ready to scale.”
As Minnesota’s startup community continues to grow, Loon’s Lair aims to offer a stage for entrepreneurs who have been historically underrepresented in traditional startup and investment pipelines. This is particularly important in a state where the Indian-American business community is rapidly shaping the economic future yet remains largely excluded from mainstream entrepreneurship channels.
Unlike other pitch competitions, Loon’s Lair has a distinct advantage in its deep connections within the Indian-American and immigrant communities. The India Chamber of Commerce MN’s long history of cross-sector partnerships, community organizing, and access to a dynamic network of entrepreneurs gives Loon’s Lair a unique edge. By tapping into this growing and often overlooked community, Loon’s Lair is unlocking a wealth of untapped entrepreneurial potential.
“We’re not just curating a stage—we’re opening doors to a segment of Minnesota’s business community that is vibrant, innovative, and ready to scale. Our relationships, reach, and mission-driven approach allow us to elevate founders who might otherwise be overlooked—and that’s what truly sets us apart,” Jeganathan explained.
The pitch competition is just the beginning. ICOCMN and its partners are committed to fostering long-term growth for Minnesota’s diverse entrepreneurs by providing a clear pathway from idea to investment. The event will also feature networking opportunities and mentorship for startups, ensuring that entrepreneurs receive the support they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
Loon’s Lair represents a broader movement toward reimagining who gets to participate in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. As innovation thrives across the state, Loon’s Lair ensures that the voices and ventures of Indian-American, and underrepresented entrepreneurs are not only heard but also given the chance to flourish. The competition is more than just an event; it is a step toward creating a more inclusive and equitable future for Minnesota’s business community.
The inaugural pitch day on June 7, 2025, is expected to draw significant attention from investors, founders, and community leaders alike. As the date approaches, the anticipation surrounding Loon’s Lair continues to grow, with the competition poised to make a lasting impact on Minnesota’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
For more information, visit the official Loon’s Lair website at www.icocmn.org/loonslair. You can also connect with ICOCMN on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/icocmn.