In the heart of Minnesota’s vibrant entrepreneurial scene, a bold new initiative has redefined what a modern chamber of commerce can achieve. The India Chamber of Commerce MN (ICOCMN) launched its inaugural Loon’s Lair pitch competition in June 2025, and the results were transformative. The event which mirrored the high-stakes energy of the popular Shark Tank TV show provided a dynamic platform for six emerging startups to pitch their innovations to an influential panel of investors. The stakes? Nearly $3 million in live-stage investments. The outcome? A resounding success that not only generated substantial funding but also marked a major milestone for the chamber’s ambitious goals.
The Vision Behind Loon’s Lair
Under the leadership of Shajive Jeganathan, Co-Founder and President of the India Chamber of Commerce MN, and operationally directed by Aanchal Singhal, Associate Director, Office of Corporate & Industry Relations, Loon’s Lair was created to connect Minnesota’s diverse entrepreneurs with capital, resources, and investors. While chambers of commerce are traditionally seen as administrative organizations focused on networking and advocacy, ICOCMN is reshaping the narrative. With a mission rooted in cultural inclusivity and economic empowerment, ICOCMN’s goal is to elevate underrepresented founders, especially those of Asian Indian origin, and build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state.
“Loon’s Lair isn’t just a pitch competition; it’s a manifestation of our vision to create a high-impact, high-energy platform for innovation and investment in Minnesota,” says Jeganathan. “In just three months, we’ve proven that our chamber isn’t here to follow we’re here to lead.”
The Event: A Showcase of Innovation and Community Engagement
Held on June 7, 2025, at Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack in Columbus, Minnesota, Loon’s Lair attracted attention from some of the region’s most powerful investors. The pitch competition brought together six dynamic startups from a pool of over 20 applicants, each eager to present their ideas and secure capital for growth. The finalists, representing various industries, demonstrated bold ideas and entrepreneurial spirit that resonated with the panel of investors. Among the investors were Dr. Prem Kumar, Nabeel Momin, Ajit Patel, Hasmukh Patel, and Mahi Mahipathi, all seasoned professionals representing diverse expertise across venture capital, private equity, and entrepreneurial leadership. These investors represent a diverse spectrum of expertise in venture capital, private equity, and entrepreneurial leadership, creating a dynamic environment for deal-making. The event’s moderator, Glenn McMohan, Vice President and Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, ensured the event proceeded with strategic thought and professionalism, elevating the evening’s atmosphere and bringing clarity to the process.
“The energy, professionalism, and caliber of this event were impressive,” shares Jeganathan. “These founders are the future of Minnesota business, and Loon’s Lair is the right platform to launch them.”
A Record $3 Million in Investment Deals
The event didn’t just provide visibility for these startups; it delivered results. Four companies CorRen, Pizza Karma, Octin Health, and Desi High successfully secured investment commitments, totaling nearly $3 million in deals. These substantial investments signal the growing confidence of Minnesota’s venture community in the region’s entrepreneurial potential.
Loon’s Lair also received national visibility, thanks to livestream coverage by Bharat Media Group LLC (BharatTV), ensuring that the founders’ pitches reached a wider audience. This move underscores ICOCMN’s commitment to elevating Minnesota-based innovation on national platforms.
The event also attracted influential civic leaders, underlining its significance in strengthening both business and community ties throughout the state.
The Chamber’s Rapid Growth and Impact
What makes ICOCMN’s approach unique is its speed of execution and ability to build meaningful connections between diverse sectors. The chamber, which was launched just a few months ago, wasted no time in rolling out initiatives that demonstrate its value as an economic driver. The success of Loon’s Lair, which is still in its inaugural year, highlights the chamber’s effectiveness at building momentum and attracting high-profile support.
“We set out to build something transformational for entrepreneurs in our community and I’m proud to say we delivered,” says Jeganathan. “Loon’s Lair is just the beginning. We’re committed to creating more opportunities, sparking further innovation, and nurturing Minnesota’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
A Future Built on Collaboration and Innovation
As ICOCMN looks to the future, the success of Loon’s Lair offers a clear blueprint for how chambers can be catalysts for economic growth and community development. The event proved that by blending capital, community, and bold ideas, meaningful progress is possible and that’s precisely what ICOCMN aims to continue fostering.
“We’re building something sustainable, scalable, and inclusive,” says Jeganathan. “The connections and opportunities created through Loon’s Lair are just the first step in our broader vision for Minnesota’s business landscape.”
The India Chamber of Commerce MN’s rapid rise exemplifies how organizations with a clear mission and focus on actionable outcomes can have an outsized impact. The chamber’s commitment to cross-sector collaboration, cultural inclusivity, and fast-moving action is setting it apart as a leader in Minnesota’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Learn More About ICOCMN
Interested in supporting Minnesota’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem? Learn more about upcoming events and opportunities at ICOCMN’s Loon’s Lair page, and stay updated through LinkedIn.