House of Genius Phoenix gives local startups a chance to learn from experts

Phoenix-area startups are getting the chance to get constructive feedback, learn about kinks in their business model and perfect their pitches in front of community leaders and experts at House of Genius Phoenix events.

The volunteer-run House of Genius, a grassroots organization in seven countries and 24 cities, started in Phoenix in April with monthly sessions.

Three chosen entrepreneurs pitch their business, answer questions and get ideas on how to overcome their company obstacles from 15-18 panelists only known at first by their first name.

The anonymity is designed to give confidence to the entrepreneurs since they don’t know who they’re sharing information with, said Nima Nojoumi, co-founder and city director of House of Genius Phoenix.

At the end of the session, the panelists, who range from investors and lawyers to executives and experienced entrepreneurs, share their full name and company.

“We want to help Arizona become a true ecosystem,” said Nojoumi, co-founder and CEO of Sourcely, a Tempe-based platform that allows small businesses to buy and trade consumer electronic devices. “I love all the incubator and accelerator activity, but we need more collaboration (in the Valley). This is a labor of love.”

For Lindsey Michaelree, co-founder of Gave in America, last month’s House of Genius Phoenix event was a chance to get a new set of eyes on her business plan. Gave in America, which she co-founded in February with her husband, Jeffrey Michaelree, will be an online platform that allows people to list donated items with most of the proceeds going to local charities. The Phoenix-based site is set to launch in August and the company is a Seed Spot alumni venture.