Associate - M12

M12 is the corporate venture capital arm of Microsoft focused on early-stage investments in Artificial Intelligence, B2B SaaS, Cloud Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, DevOps, and Gaming/Web3. We’ve had the honor of backing and help build over 100 great companies since launching the fund in 2016. Critically, M12 supports our portfolio companies with value-added resources through special access to Microsoft’s platform and services. M12 is headquartered in San Francisco with additional team members in Seattle.

We’re seeking an Associate - M12 to help build thesises around current and new domains of interest, monitor the market, source deals, build relationships with top-tier investors, support the investment processes and due diligence, and assist our portfolio companies as a member of the investment team. We place a premium on diversity of ideas and are excited to add new perspectives to our team. We value accountability, continuous learning, inclusivity, teamwork, transparency, and trust.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

Research and Market Exploration

• Perform Continuous monitoring of market trends, industry news, and startup companies for potential investments in thematic areas supported by lead investor.
• Track specific Venture Capitals, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, sector experts, research organizations, etc.
• Perform high-quality research and analysis on key market and industry trends in defined theme areas to develop new insights and opinionated views
• Help come up and promote new ideas and research activities in defined theme areas

Deal sourcing and support for Investment processes and Due Diligence

• Attend industry conferences, building relationships with startups and venture investors
• Source deals aligned to key themes and thesis areas for M12
• Assist with due diligence evaluation of all relevant areas including a solid analysis of risks and opportunities (technological, industrial, intellectual property, commercial, economic, financial, Human Resources, legal, compliance);Financial and unit economics analysis, valuation modeling using multiple methods
• Document startup and investment team meetings
• Track and report on deal flow generated by our team
• Help preparing internal investment memos

Operational

• Manage various operations such as (a) metrics tracking (b) financial and operational key performance indicators (KPI) documentation and reporting (c) production of portfolio presentations for periodic reviews (d) internal investment and valuation tracking
• Generate content for signal exchange with leadership and other stakeholders including startup showcase meetings
• Help create media & thought leadership content based on the fund’s investments and market research
• Help to add value to our existing portfolio through research, introductions, and Business Development activities in partnership with our portfolio development team

Other 

• Embody our culture and values 

Qualifications

Required qualifications