Minnesota’s entrepreneurial landscape is about to get more competitive with the launch of Loon’s Lair, a new Shark Tank-style pitch competition organized by the India Chamber of Commerce MN (ICOCMN) in partnership with BETA, a respected force in Minnesota’s startup ecosystem.
Set for June 7, 2025, in Minneapolis, the event will feature entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to a panel of respected investors in front of a live audience. The competition aims to connect promising founders with visibility, strategic support, and potential investment capital.
“We didn’t just want another pitch event—we wanted to create a platform that reflects Minnesota’s innovation story while ensuring immigrant-led and underrepresented entrepreneurs have a real seat at the table,” says Shajive Jeganathan, President of ICOCMN.
Leading the initiative alongside Jeganathan is Aanchal Singhal, Associate Director of the Office of Enterprise Development & Innovation at ICOCMN. “We’re building an ecosystem that’s as diverse as it is dynamic,” Singhal notes. “Loon’s Lair is a stage where good ideas meet great opportunity—and we’re thrilled to help make that happen.”
The India Chamber of Commerce MN operates as a mission-driven nonprofit focused on promoting entrepreneurship, business collaboration, and economic opportunity for Indian and other immigrant business communities across Minnesota. With connections spanning public, private, and nonprofit sectors, the organization is positioned to bridge innovation with investment—precisely what Loon’s Lair intends to accomplish.
Entrepreneurs across all industries, whether established or just starting out, are encouraged to apply. Details about the selection committee, pitch day format, and investor panel will be announced in the coming weeks, adding momentum to a competition already generating buzz across Minnesota’s business community.
For ICOCMN, Loon’s Lair represents more than just an event—it’s the beginning of a movement powered by bold ideas, fearless founders, and inclusive innovation. Through this initiative, the organization hopes to amplify the value of inclusive economic development across Minnesota while creating tangible opportunities for entrepreneurs who might otherwise be overlooked.
Interested entrepreneurs can learn more about the competition and application process on the Loon’s Lair event page, where updates will be posted as the June event approaches.