If you have ever watched Shark Tank, you know the electricity in the room. Entrepreneurs step forward with bold ideas. Investors listen carefully. Big decisions unfold in real time. This spring, Maple Grove will host its own high energy version of that experience. It is called Loon’s Lair.
Loon’s Lair is Minnesota’s premier entrepreneur pitch competition, presented by the India Chamber of Commerce MN. Designed as a high impact platform for innovation and investment, the event connects ambitious founders with capital, visibility, and influential networks. It is more than a stage. It is a launchpad for companies ready to grow.
Season two will take place at Central Park in Maple Grove, on May 22. The evening features a banquet style experience, where guests enjoy dinner as five to six finalists pitch their companies to a panel of five investors known as the “Loons.” Each entrepreneur has 15 minutes total, seven minutes to present and eight minutes for direct investor questions. The format is tight and intentional. Ideas must be clear. Financials must be solid. Vision must be compelling.
The name itself carries a clever Minnesota twist. Just as Shark Tank pairs an animal with a gathering place, Loon’s Lair draws from the state bird and reimagines the concept with local pride. Organizers set out to create a signature event that fuels entrepreneurship and brings business back to Minnesota.
That vision is already producing results. They gained visibility, credibility, and meaningful connections within Minnesota’s business community. The event demonstrated that serious capital and serious talent can meet right here at home.
What sets Loon’s Lair apart is its commitment to preparation and professionalism. Investors receive detailed financial packets in advance so their questions go beyond surface level and dig into strategy and scalability. Finalists also participate in a pre event luncheon, where experienced business leaders provide guidance and feedback to sharpen their presentations. By the time founders step onto the stage, they are ready.
The competition welcomes entrepreneurs at a variety of stages, from emerging startups to revenue generating companies. The focus is on bold ideas, thoughtful execution, and scalability. By creating space for diverse founders, the event strengthens Minnesota’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
For guests, Loon’s Lair offers more than an evening of pitches. It creates opportunities for real conversation between investors, founders, and community leaders. Deals may begin under the spotlight, but partnerships often take shape in the conversations that follow.
There is also a meaningful community component. Five percent of every sponsorship is committed to giving back locally, with proceeds benefiting the Maple Grove Police Department, pending final confirmation. The event is designed not only to strengthen businesses, but to support the community they serve.
Ideas will be tested. Questions will be tough. Some founders may secure transformative investment. All will gain exposure and connection. For one evening, the spirit of Loon's Lair comes to life in a distinctly Minnesota way.
About the Founders
Meet the dynamic duo behind Loon’s Lair: Aanchal Singhal, Associate Director of Enterprise Development and Innovation, and Shajive Jeganathan, President and Co-founder. Their vision, leadership, and energy have helped turn Loon’s Lair into one of Minnesota’s most exciting entrepreneurial events.